Handheld Medical Device Goes Wireless (2/28)

Royal Philips Electronics NV and Intel Corp. plan to launch a wireless, handheld device will feature a touch screen and digital camera to assist doctors and nurses in recording and storing patient information, according to the Associated Press.

According to the report, the medical-grade compliant device is meant to "reduce medication errors, positively identify staff and patients, fill out charts, capture vital signs, write up reports and validate blood transfusions, as well as (provide) the ability to closely monitor the healing of wounds." Read more ...

PRODUCTS

ETCO Incorporated

The Connect-able electronic connection makes it possible to connect wires with one snap. As semblers overlay the two connectors and pull them together until they snap securely into each other. Reversing the motion disconnects the connectors. Changing out electronic components can be time consuming with the cutting of wires and re-crimping. Manufacturers can now save time and money on electronic connection changes by using Connect-able on original installations. Its flexible design can also be customized and insulated. Free evaluation samples are available upon request.

Fenwal Controls

The Series 35-63, 24 VAC Intermittent Pilot (IP) Gas Ignition Controls are designed for HVAC, commercial cooking equipment, boilers, furnaces and other gas fired applications us ing the “spark-to-pilot” technique. The controls feature repeatable timing sequences configurable to 120 seconds TFI, local or remote flame sensing and they are polarity insensitive. Reset from lockout is automatic or by recycling the thermostat. Flame sense current pins and LED blink codes simplify troubleshooting. The controls are designed and certified to CSA requirements and are available as an open-board assembly or with a case and cover for surface mounting/securing to a standard 4-in. square electrical box. Factory programmed designs for sensing pilot flames in hard-to-light environments.

Ferro Corp.

New Evolution coatings create metallic kitchen finishes but does not show noticeable fingerprints, does not discolor from heat, and is resistant to stains, scratching, and chemical cleaners. Pr oduct differentiation is enhanced with Evolution’s range of custom metallic color possibilities. Ideal for refrigerators, ranges, cooktops, sinks and plumbing ware, Evolution coatings can also be used to create matching or contrasting cabinetry with lustrous, durable finishes. Washing machines may also benefit from Evolution’s stylish appearance as they increasingly move from the basement into living spaces. Evolution’s durability and resistance to heat, flames, staining, weather and corrosion make it appropriate for grills compared to stainless steel, which becomes marred with use. It also can add metallic color possibilities to the exterior surfaces of designer cookware. Evolution provides the sophisticated appearance of metal with the performance of classic porcelain enamel coatings, the company says. The basic properties of porcelain enamel include sanitary surface, ease of cleaning, scratch and abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, and corrosion resistant. It is graffiti and flame proof and its color is stable. 

Heyco Products Inc.

The Heyco-TITE family has expanded to include liquid-tight, cord grips that feature multi-hole/conductor sealing glands. The family of straight-through multi-hole/conductor cord grips for multi ple cables and wires can be used in various electrical applications including metric, NPT, and PG threads or Snap-in mounting in straight-thru configurations. The cord grips are designed with tailored purpose internal glands that accommodate multiple wires of various sizes in a single liquid-tight cord grip. Strain relief provided depends upon the specific wire and cable used in each application, and UL Recognition is subject to specific conditions of acceptability. The cord grips are molded with high-impact Type 6/6 polyamide nylon with “Buna N” sealing glands that are resistant to salt water, weak acids, gasoline, alcohol, oil, grease and most common solvents. They are available in black or gray; white or custom colors may also be specified. All are UL recognized and have a flammability rating of 94V-2.

   MARCH 2007 ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS

METALS

Layered Look

The word “stainless” in appliances implies durability, quality and class. But stainless steel has its limitations. It smudges easily, for instance, and designers can only obtain a limited numb er of appearances out of the material.

In appliance design, cost-effective alternatives to the ubiquitous mild steel and stainless steel have been elusive. For instance, costs per-square-foot of aluminum sheet can be as little as half that of stainless steel in appliance manufacturing. But while the advantges of aluminum (environmental benefits, light weight, durability, multiple finishes) have long intrigued appliance designers, the limited performance characteristics of aluminum alloys have been a persistent frustration.  Read more ...

INSULATION

Aerogels Arrive

Moving a concept from prototype to production is often the most challenging part of innovation, not unlike building a really cool boat in your garage, only to find you can’t get it out the door. Aerogel materials represent a classic example.

The first aerogel was created by a scientist named Steven Kistler in 1931, yet aerogel materials have only recently made it out of the lab and into the market. The reason is that an aerogel is a devilishly difficult thing to produce. By way of analogy, imagine making a bowl of Jell-O, then, afterward, finding a way to extract all the water and replace it with a gas, such that the level of Jell-O in the bowl has not diminished — no shrinkage. Then, after performing that trick, figure out how to do it repeatedly on a production scale in a cost-effective manner so that potential customers find it economically feasible to use.  Read more ...

POWER

Li-Ion’s New Roar

Lithium-ion batteries may have lost a little of their charge in 2006, but an array of new technologies will soon provide the chemistry with a quick recharge.

The 2006 recalls of lithium-ion batteries that numbered in the millions, combined wit h the occasional laptop fire and subsequent user injury and property damage, showcased the inherent thermal runaway dangers of lithium-ion batteries and generated much debate about their future.

Amidst the ongoing dialogue, however, battery manufacturers forged ahead with new materials and technologies to resolve these safety issues while at the same time expanding power outputs for use in non-traditional applications such as power tools. Black & Decker, Milwaukee Electric and Makita all have, or plan to have, products that use lithium-ion batteries. Read more ...

SWITCHES & RELAYS

Think Globally

The days of designing for one’s local market only are now gone. Today’s world economy demands that products be developed for different global areas. Each region has its own unique set of requirements, agency approvals, energy management, and environmental issues. Engineers are faced with producing designs that can be used in various markets while keeping costs under control.

Relays are one of the main interface methods between digital controls and power switching. Producing one control board that will meet every market’s needs often is not cost effective. Currently the European market has some of the most stringent design and safety requirements in the world. A product built to these standards meets virtually every other markets’ safety requirements. Some components in Europe must now meet a glow-wire test, where a wire is heated to 850 DegC and placed next to the plastic of the component. The plastic must self-extinguish in 5 seconds. A different and more expensive grade of plastic material must be used, thus adding to the component’s cost.  Read more ...