Apr 26
Roller pinion technology combines the best
attributes of existing motion control technologies while eliminating most of their
limitations. Differing from a traditional rack and pinion system, a roller
pinion system features a unique roller pinion and toothed rack combination.
Though, similar to a pinion/rack combination, the teeth on the pinion are
replaced with bearing-supported rollers, which engage a unique tooth profile to
ensure high positional accuracy and the elimination of cumulative error.
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Apr 13
This article presents innovative material solutions
supporting multi-use medical device applications. Respective materials support
a broad range of application requirements, like transparency, property
retention after autoclaving, colorability, and chemical resistance against
commonly used disinfectants/cleaning agents.
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Apr 13
With cardiovascular diseases as the leading cause of death
worldwide, device manufacturers are under immense pressure to produce products
to address these health concerns. However, prior to launching such devices, the
technologies need to be properly tested to ensure success. This article looks
at setting up a system to simulate cardiac flow for testing these medical
devices.
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Mar 22
Piezoelectric actuation is the foundation for a myriad of mission-critical high-technology applications, from semiconductor manufacturing to genomic sequencing and medical devices. Known for nanometer precisions, piezoelectric principles are proving highly adaptable to new configurations and modalities. Recently-developed mechanisms built on a variety of novel applications of piezoelectric technology have burst through the former travel limitations familiar from classical nanopositioning mechanisms. But like those time-tested mechanisms, those built on these newer principles offer high axial force, exceptional speeds, compactness, fieldlessness, and stable position-hold without dither. These long-travel piezomotors offer valuable, proven solutions for engineers grappling with tough technical and economic needs.
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Mar 6
Silicone’s inability to expand or stretch without mechanical
or chemical assistance coupled with its tacky surface makes assembly with rigid
parts difficult. Connecting flexible silicone tubing to barbed fittings or
mating molded silicone parts with complex geometries can be frustrating, messy,
and time-consuming. As the use of silicone in the medical device industry
continues to grow, so does the need for innovative methods that allow design
engineers to design the most effective medical devices in the most efficient
way possible.
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Mar 5
Biosensors are critical components of diagnostic devices. They
are tiny, integrated circuit chips that transmit readings from within the body
to an external component that displays data for physicians and patients.
Biosensors have many applications including important roles in continuous
glucose monitors, sensors that monitor cell health, and magnetic sensors
associated with microlabels and microfluidic cartridges, just to name a few. A big obstacle facing biosensors that are implanted into the
body is longevity.
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Mar 5
The adhesive-based medical device sector, relatively
inactive for many decades, is seeing a surge of innovation. The sector
continues to expand in the U.S.,
Europe, and Asia, with global sales expected
to exceed $2 billion annually by 2015. Clinicians today have a broader
selection of advanced medical adhesives to choose from than ever before.
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Feb 9
On September 16, 2011, the America Invents Act (the “Act”) was
signed into law, marking arguably the most significant modification to the U.S. patent
system since 1952. Although the default effective date is September 16, 2012,
medical device companies should start making adjustments to their patent
strategies now to better protect their investments in the future. In this
article, three main modifications are discussed: the systematic change to first-to-file
system; a broadening of applicable prior art; and additional patent office
proceedings to challenge patentability.
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Feb 9
Demand for personalized implants is increasing, since
younger patients and longer life spans mean that more patients are receiving
their first joint replacements earlier in their lifetime. When implant
materials wear out, patients may need second or even third implants, called
revision implants. Thermoplastic
Products Corporation (TPC) uses Sensable’s
Freeform to deliver them in a novel way—restoring patients to well being,
while allowing their surgeon to experience computer-based surgical planning as
well.
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Feb 9
Design engineers for medical diagnostic equipment are
acutely aware of the dramatic growth and change in the healthcare industry.
Medical OEMs and contract manufacturers are looking for suppliers who can help
them meet new industry and federal regulations, achieve the highest quality
products, support new care approaches (including patient-controlled monitoring
and treatment), and drive down manufacturing costs.
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Feb 7
Start-ups and large
device makers alike have difficulty bringing new products to market without
greater predictability and transparency from the FDA. According to an online survey
funded by the medical technology industry’s Institute for Health Technology
Studies, most medical device companies today are seeking regulatory approval
and launching their products overseas first. This article will look at whether
this is a good business decision for all device manufacturers.
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Feb 7
Finding the best connections between parts to be leak tested and leak
detection equipment is an inherent challenge to leak test system designs. Flat
pad surface seals have a potential to mask leakage by holding parts together
with leaking seams. Autocouplers that seal catheters at the distal end are a
good example of best practice sealing devices for several reasons.
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Jan 6
The healthcare industry is transitioning from a sick care
system to a health improvement system, and mobile health (mHealth) services are
an important factor. Equipped with new devices and services, consumers are
taking charge of their own health by seeking solutions that allow them to track
their fitness, and manage chronic disease therapy and overall wellness.
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Jan 6
Cost pressures abound for just about every industry, but few
experience the dual pressure to reduce cost without sacrificing quality at the
level found in the medical industry. A true benefit of a strong Lean
manufacturing philosophy is that it reduces cost by eliminating inefficiency,
and, as a byproduct, contributes to improved quality.
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Jan 6
Diaphragm-type vacuum pumps are often ideally suited for a
variety of medical devices. Unfortunately, flow pulsation can offer a challenge
to developers, specifically in flow measurement and control. This article will
focus on some simple techniques for reliable and repeatable measurement of flow
and pressure, particularly where the pumped media is air or an otherwise
compressible gas.
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Jan 5
In this month’s “Roundtable Q&A,” industry leaders
provide insights on machining topics, including benefits of machining, use of
lasers, and areas of growth for machined components.
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Jan 5
Medical device manufacturers that attempt to handle too many
tasks in the product development process without the sufficient level of
competency are simply setting themselves up for failure. It is vital for them
to maintain a strong expertise in those core competencies and look outside for
strategic partners who can aid them. This article examines that for the product
design process.
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