More of the
Best Products and Services of the Year
Micro injection moulder
Designed for the manufacture of miniature components, a new concept injection moulding machine that is based on the first-in, first-out principle includes a needle in the screw. This ensures that even heat-sensitive materials will not be damaged by long dwell times. The needle in the screw also eliminates problems associated with bypasses and dead corners that are common in preplasticizing units with downstream plunger injection. The Boy 12A micro permits accurate metering of very small shot weights and includes a CCD camera to monitor that all cavities are properly filled and that all parts have been ejected. Dr. Boy GmbH, Neustadt/Fernthal, Germany.
Fluid dispenser
Solvents, cyanoacrylates, UV-cure adhesives, and other thin assembly fluids can be deposited in precise, consistent quantities using a dispenser fitted with a microprocessor-based timer. The compact system combines the accuracy of timed-pulse dispensing with components specifically designed for use with low-viscosity fluids. The fluid is contained in a handheld barrel fitted with a piston that prevents suck-back and seals off fumes. An adjustable vacuum control prevents drips and beading on the dispense tip. The dispense time and deposit size can be set by means of a foot pedal and stored in memory. An assortment of barrel sizes and tips are available to meet all applications. Dosage 2000, Bougival, France.
Catheter support beading
Custom-formulated support beading prevents the collection of waste material within catheters during processing. Catheter collapse or movement during hole drilling is also avoided. Use of the beading ensures consistent flash-free holes in catheters and eliminates the introduction of plug debris into the inner lumen. Consistent sizing and validated concentricity protects the catheter from unwanted movement during drilling or punching. The company stocks an inventory of support beading that will accommodate most sizes of catheters. FBK Medical Tubing Inc., Birmingham, AL, USA.
Cell-culture CD-ROM
A multimedia CD-ROM guide to a company's tissue-culture products includes user-friendly links for easy navigation as well as diagrams, photos, and videos to illustrate important concepts. In addition to information on the company's products, the CD-ROM also provides an educational section on basic tissue-culture principles for relative newcomers to the field. Tissue growth, scale-up, and downstream processing are covered. Researchers who use the company's products are invited to submit papers or abstracts for inclusion in the firm's newsletter. IBS Integra Biosciences Ltd., Letchworth, Herts, UK.
Medical imaging capture system
A colour video and image system captures real-time uncompressed images for use in ultrasound devices, process automation, and remote diagnostics. Designed for system integrators and OEMs, the AZV30 enables image storage as well as data retrieval, analysis, and measurement. The capture board hardware and the software development kit can be supplied individually or bundled together; to reduce integration costs, an OEM board is also available. The capture board features both S-video and composite inputs and is compatible with existing and emerging graphics card technologies. A hardware video scaler and colour-space converter enable digitization into the widest available formats. Azure Ltd., Dorchester, Dorset, UK.
Linear actuators
Linear actuators combine a brushless servomotor, an inverted roller screw, and an encoder/resolver feedback source in a compact package that reportedly is the same size as a typical brushless motor. The GS series actuators offer continuous thrust ratings from 45 to 3636 kg and speeds faster than 1 millisecond. The roller screw mechanism provides lead accuracy of
Hydrophilic coating
Water-repellent surfaces are rendered completely wettable when treated with a hydrophilic coating. The ionic character of Hydrolast, which bonds to hydrophobic materials such as polyolefins, can be rendered either anionic or cationic. This enables the surface to immobilize proteins and other biomolecules. The coating can be applied to both porous and nonporous materials used in diagnostic and related applications where specialized wettable surfaces are desirable. The ISO 9001–certified company offers several proprietary coating and surface modification technologies on a contract or technology-transfer basis. Advanced Surface Technology Inc., Billerica, MA, USA.
Precision metering pump
A positive displacement metering pump is designed for precision dispensing of chemicals and reagents, slurries, adhesives, polymers, and gasses. The Travcyl pump combines a piston pump with a syringe pump, employing alternating piston heads attached to a travelling cylinder to draw and expel liquid from openings within sliding ceramic port plates. Inert welded parts, short fluid paths, and reversible flow for flushing and sterilizing make the pump suitable for various sanitary or corrosive uses. Because there is no clearance between the sliding surfaces of the pumping elements, the fluid is not squeezed between the parts, creating an environment suitable for no-shear applications. The standard model employs two or four channels connected in parallel beneath a manifold. Encynova International Inc., Broomfield, CO, USA.
Brushless dc motors
A line of 43-mm brushless dc motors features torque constants that range from 3.5 to 17.7 N-cm/A and power output ratings from 22 to 115 W. The high torque-to-inertia ratio allows for rapid start-and-stop capability. Hall effect devices and rare earth magnets are used for controllable electronic commutation, thereby minimizing torque ripple, cogging, and demagnetization. The motors are available in 43–86-mm footprints, with stack sizes ranging from 6.4 to 50.8 mm in 6.4-mm increments. The 8-pole, 12-slot, 3-phase motors can be configured for 12-, 24, or 36-V inputs. They are suited for use in medical equipment where precise rotary motion is desirable. Ametek GmbH, Korntal-Munchingen, Germany.
Continuous tubing extruders
Extruders that are suited for the continuous production of complex corrugated medical tubing can process a variety of resins including polyamides, polyethylenes, and polypropylenes. The EC series of extruders shape the tubing in diameters ranging from 4 to 55 mm by means of revolving dies that travel with the extrusion. A range of styles can be produced, from conventional straight tubing to accordion-pleated and complex shapes such as oval and rectangular cross sections. Large incremental changes in diameter can be accommodated on the same tube, enabling the concurrent production of connectors and adapters and eliminating the need for costly secondary operations. Speed, extrusion rate, and production parameters are controlled by an onboard computer. Corelco, Manziat, France.
Adhesives brochure
A guide discusses the selection of adhesives for joining or coating applications in the fabrication of medical devices. The eight-page technical paper describes USP Class VI–compatible epoxies formulated for devices such as prosthetics, access ports for long-term drug delivery, and disposable catheters. Various 100%-solid, nontoxic adhesives can be used for bonding plastic tips to tubing, joining fibre-optic bundles for light guides, and adhering diamond scalpel blades for surgical instruments. Electrically conductive, thermally conductive, insulating, and potting-compound adhesives are also available. Epoxy Technology Inc., Billerica, MA, USA.
Electrodes
Designed for the acquisition of ECG, EEG, EMG, and EOG signals, reusable biopotential skin electrodes are produced in small dimensions. The 1.0-mm-thick sensor element is made from a silver–silver chloride material to minimize noise and dc offset and to enhance durability. The electrodes are compatible with all biosignal amplifiers and monitors. In Vivo Metric, Healdsburg, CA, USA.
Camera modules
A firm offers high-performance assemblies and customer-specific systems that use precision optical and electronic imaging components. Products include high-resolution CCD lenses, a CCD compact camera for x-ray image intensifiers, camera modules with high aperture, and intraoral cameras and sensor heads. Services offered include product design, prototyping and testing, and serial production. Rodenstock Präzisionsoptik GmbH München, Germany.
Infrared devices
A line of discrete, photoelectronic IR devices are suited for use in proximity switches, position detectors, motion detectors, optical mark readers, and medical diagnostics. The products include an emitter, photodiode sensor, pin photodiode, and reflective sensor. The near-infrared emitter, housed in a 1206 package, produces an output of 1.2 mW/sr at 50 mA and features a ±70° emission angle. The photodiode sensor, which also comes in a 1206 package, offers a spectral sensitivity range of 450–1100 nm. The pin photodiode is available in a 1210 package, has a sensing angle of ±80°, and offers a power dissipation of 100 mW. The reflector sensor includes both a near-infrared LED chip and a photodiode sensor in one package. The components are supplied on 8-m tape in 2000-unit reels for use with automated equipment. First Components GmbH, Sauerlach, Germany.
Fluoroplastic tubing
Standard and custom tubes for use in medical equipment are produced from PTFE, FEP, MFA, and PFA in ISO 9001–certified facilities. PTFE tubes feature stability at temperatures up to 260°C and withstand exposure to aggressive liquids. Available in 11 colours, the tubes are cut to customer specifications. Tubes are available in dimensions ranging from
Miniature pump
A total-displacement compressed air/nitrogen minipump is designed for single-use products. The pump comes in various configurations that are capable of producing 200 to 2000-mmHg pressure. Applications for the pump include arthroscopy, hysteroscopy, pulsed irrigation for debridement, and any process where a pressure source is required to assist a gravity flow. OrthoPrep Ltd., Stroud, UK.
Transducers
A company's range of OEM piezo transducer products is described in a products and services guide. Detailed information on ultrasonic transducers used in diagnostic equipment is included. Other available transducer types include imaging, therapy, high-intensity focussed ultrasound (HIFU), pulsed- and continuous-wave Doppler, and air-bubble detector models. The company conducts strict quality control, testing, and calibration procedures from the design phase through manufacture. Etalon Inc., Lebanon, IN, USA.
Medical casters
High-performance medical casters are designed to provide optimal shock absorption. The medical L-OG casters feature a streamlined, contemporary design and larger wheels for better manoeuvreability over bumps, thresholds, and power cords. The units have a load capacity range from 100 to 250 lb; vertical movement of the wheels helps to better absorb shock and vibration. Available in single- or double-wheel designs, the casters feature brake and swivel locks and stylized hubcaps. Applications include laboratory and cleanroom-compatible equipment, critical-care and neonatal beds, and ultrasound machines. Barry Controls Europe Hersam, Surrey, UK.
Gears
A wide range of gears can interface with the standard components in a company's catalogue. The firm offers stainless hardened gears, which are suited for use in high-torque, long-life applications. An in-house facility for measuring bidirectional transmission angles is used to inspect the gears during manufacture and to certify the satisfactory performance of completed assemblies. Reliance Gear Company Ltd., Lepton, Huddersfield, UK.
Optoelectronic sensors
OEM optoelectronic sensors are available in slotted optical switches, reflective optical switches, optical couplers, and Hall effect devices. The components are suitable for electromechanical motion- and position-sensing applications in medical analysis and testing equipment. The company provides an array of components from chip level to fully tested hybrid assemblies. Custom capabilities include concept design, evaluation, prototyping, and injection moulding. Clarostat Sensors, Richardson, TX, USA.
Ultrasonic sensors
More than 50 different models of ultrasonic sensors are available with detection distances from 80 mm to 5 m. The sensors, which are suitable for use in medical instrumentation, are housed in IP 67–rated bodies. Many of them feature adjusters built into the main switch body for added protection. They are available with analogue and/or digital output; single- or twin-distance sensors are also supplied for applications where the detection of minimum and maximum distances is required. Assemtech Europe Ltd., Thorpe-le-Soken, Essex, UK.
Tubing brochure
A brochure that details a company's full range of stock tubing and connectors is now available in German. Tolerances, working temperatures, pressures, and other specifications are provided. Dimensions for the company's range of fine-bore polyethylene tubing are included; polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, and silicone rubber tubing are also profiled. The brochure is suited for sourcing the small quantities that are often needed for research and development. SIMS Portex Ltd. Hythe, Kent, UK.
Plug-in spectrometer
A miniature fibre-optic spectrometer that is mounted on a 1-MHz ISA-bus analogue-to-digital conversion card installs directly into a PC, providing a complete spectrometry system without taking up any benchtop space. Incorporating a 2048-element CCD linear array detector, the unit covers the 200–1100-nm range. Up to seven slave channels can be accommodated to expand the wavelength range or to support multisampling or reference monitoring. Sample time can range from 3 milliseconds to 60 seconds for a complete spectrum. Applications include blood-gas analysis and pH measurements; it can also be used as a colour sensor in quality control operations. Ocean Optics Europe, Eerbeek, Netherlands.
Pressure and vacuum switches
Switches are designed to interface between pressure or vacuum signals and electrical control circuits. The products, which are described in a free catalogue, include miniature switches for low-pressure or vacuum applications. Also available are subminiature switches for high-pressure or vacuum applications. Low-differential switches that have a minimal difference between on and off states and solid-state switches that provide a direct interface with solid-state electrical circuits are offered. The company's pilot-operated valves have an adjustable set point. Air Logic, Racine, WI, USA.
Soft medical plastic
A medical-grade thermoplastic elastomer has a Shore A hardness of 3, and provides elongation values up to 1100%. The material exhibits a smooth, dry-to-the-touch surface, and costs less than latex rubber. It provides greater optical transparency than latex while eliminating the potential for allergic reactions. With a pleasant texture, conformability to patient contours, and high fluid-barrier properties, the material is suited to a variety of medical applications. It is currently being evaluated in injection moulded and extruded applications, where it can be formed into thin films that do not whiten when stretched. The company also produces a wide range of medical compounds based on polyvinyl chloride and thermoplastic elastomer. Teknor Apex, Plastics Div., Pawtucket, RI, USA.
Medical balloon
A balloon made from a thermoplastic elastomer can be expanded up to two times its original size and from 5 to 35 psi internal pressure. The balloon's OD can be increased from 2 mm to 3 cm, and it can be inflated to conform to the inner wall of a blood vessel or organ. Transparent, it can be used as a valve to block blood flow, to locate a device or conduit, or to press against an organ wall for bleeding control or optical purposes. Polymerex Medical Corp. San Diego, CA, USA.
Pressure transducers
Small pressure transducers with a capsule design can tolerate exposure to a variety of corrosive media without leaking silicon oil. Housed within a brazed assembly of 300-series stainless steel, BX transducers are suited for medical and other applications with stringent sanitary requirements. The transducers, which provide an output of 50 mV at 4 mA excitation, can run on battery power. Accurate and stable readings are generated from rated pressure down to vacuum pressures. Standard BX models measure pressures from 15 to 100 psi and can withstand temperatures ranging from –40° to 100°C. Data Instruments, Acton, MA, USA.
Noise control materials
Acoustic foam components used for sound absorption purposes are supplied with self-adhesive backing and skin facings. The parts can be edge sealed as well. The company also provides sound barrier and vibration-damping materials. All noise control products can be supplied in fire-retardant formulations and can be produced to meet various specifications, including UL or MVSS. To facilitate assembly operations, individual die-cut components can be supplied in kit form. Ferguson & Timpson Ltd., Glasgow, UK.
Dispenser
A handheld dispenser is designed for repeatable manual applications of grease, solder paste, or other viscous substances. The screw-type volumetric delivery system combines the simple operation of a manual workstation with the advantages of automated dispensing. When the user adjusts the volume, the time and speed of the delivery cycle is set automatically. The operator then simply presses on the knob of the handheld device to commence point or line dispensing. Quantities up to 10 mm3 can be accommodated. The unit is suited for use in precision engineering, electronics, and laboratory applications. MTA Automation, Brügg, Switzerland.
Planar sensor chips
A flow cell relies on sensor chips—planar structures coated with thin layers of electrodes—to perform electrochemical analysis. Unlike gold or platinum electrodes that require frequent cleaning, the sensor chips are simply exchanged after use. Easily inserted into the flow cell, sensor chips are operational as soon as the cell is closed. Advantages of the sensors with integrated electrodes compared with standard solid electrodes include faster time to baseline and access to new fields of analyses by virtue of their selectivity and sensitivity. Trace Biotech AG, Braunschweig, Germany.
Cyanoacrylates
Cyanoacrylates for medical device assembly are suited for use with difficult-to-bond materials, such as acetyl, nylon, rubber, and nontransparent plastics. The USP Class VI–certified materials have a thermal range of –55° to 80°C and a sheer strength of up to 4200 psi, depending on the substrate. Because they adhere to a wide selection of substrates, the cyanoacrylates can replace both standard and surface-insensitive materials. Fast-curing characteristics minimize bloom, odours, and vapours. Dymax Europe GmbH Frankfurt, Germany.
Surface-mount pressure sensors
Two families of piezoresistive sensors that can perform gauge and absolute pressure measurements are now available in surface-mount (SMT) packages. Based on the company's SX and SCC series silicon chips, they are designed as an alternative for many OEM pressure-sensing applications where space and cost are critical factors. The SCC SMT is suited for 0–5- to 0–300-psi ranges, whereas the SX SMT is recommended for pressures from 021 to 0–150 psi. The sensors feature internal temperature compensation when operated with constant current excitation. Sensortechnics GmbH, Puchheim, Germany.
Radiopaque coatings
Microfused radiopaque coatings are applied as markers to guidewires, stents, catheters, and other medical devices to increase visibility under fluoroscopy. The use of Microfusion, a proprietary coating process, results in a well adhered and extremely dense coating that provides high contrast and sharp edges when viewed on film or fluoroscope. The biocompatible coating materials absorb the entire spectrum emitted by an x-ray source, eliminating the need for electroplated, crimped, swaged, or glued metal bands. Implant Sciences Corp., Wakefield, MA, USA.
Biosensors
Reusable, one-way biosensors are developed to enable the detection of a variety of analytes, including glucose, sucrose, lactate, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and glutamate. The biosensors can be used in combination with a multianalyte handheld, pocket-sized device. One-step calibration of the reusable sensors facilitates reliable measurement. The analytical procedure is completely controlled by the device. Up to 50 measurement values can be automatically stored in memory. The measurement cycle, which includes rinsing, lasts 2–3 minutes. Approximately 5 µl of sample is required for the detection of analytes. SensLab GmbH, Leipzig, Germany.
