Solid-state drive packs 2Gig into postage-stamp form

The SiliconDrive USB Blade is solid-state storage in a small yet environmentally-rugged form, about the size of a postage stamp. The tiny Blade sports a boot drive for operating-system storage or data-logging applications. A manufacturer of rugged connectors developed a space-saving and secure latching connector for the Blade. The edge connector has spring-loaded snaps at either end of the slot to hold the Blade securely in place for vertical or right-angle installations. The USB Blade is based on the developer's next-generation storage technology which delivers high performance and high reliability for many years. Initial capacities include 512 Mbytes, and 1 and 2 Gbytes.

The USB interface is fast, efficient, easy-to-use, and inexpensive. Advantages include differential signaling, BIOS bootability, and data integrity checking. The USB Blade gives OEMs superior USB-based storage that meets requirements of next-generation applications. Evaluation units and host developer tool kits are available.

SiliconSystems Inc, 26840 Aliso Viejo Pkwy, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656, (949) 900-9402, info.ims.ca/6953-257

Advanced lathe cleans stents, engraves surfaces

The LA3200 Advanced Lathe combines the precision of micro-abrasive blasting with an advanced machining platform. It is well suited for stent surface conditioning, detailed engraving, and other medical-manufacturing tasks. When equipped with a single nozzle head, (it controls up to five nozzles) the lathe can accurately engrave the outside of cylindrical parts. The single nozzle head has a control system that minimizes delay in starting and stopping the abrasive stream. This increases the level of detail possible in intricate patterns. The lathe controls abrasive works precisely enough to etch a design onto an egg shell.

Comco Inc, 2151 N Lincoln St., Burbank, CA 91504, (818) 841-5500, info.ims.ca/6953-258

PCB-mounted power supplies for medical jobs

A recent KM family of encapsulated ac-dc power supplies is intended for medical and OEM applications. Single, dual, and triple output models have power ratings from 15 to 40 W. KM supplies are available with combinations of output voltages including 3.3, 5, 9, 12, 15, and 24 (adjustable for special applications) and operate with a wide input range of 90 to 264 Vac. The supplies feature a 4 kVac input-to-output isolation, and meet IEC60601-1 international safety standards for medical equipment, making them ideal for patient-connected medical and general-use applications.

Lambda America, 3055 Del Sol Blvd, San Diego, CA 92154, (619) 575-4400, info.ims.ca/6953-260

Brushes for medical tasks

A manufacturer of twisted-wire brushes says it can custom make a brush that that helps clean most any medical device or surgical instrument. A few examples include brushes for cytology and instrument cleaning, and stylet wires. Disposable cytology brushes, in various lengths and sizes, provide high cell-count collections for a more accurate diagnosis while providing patient greater comfort. Stylet and drive wires are made with .012 or .018 stainless-steel wire. This brush is for collecting cells in the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract. Lastly, laparoscopic-instrument-cleaning brushes come in all sizes and with color identifying beads.

Sanderson MacLeod, 1199 S Main St, Palmer, MA 01069 (866) 522-3481, info.ims.ca/6953-259

Cables and their carriers pass cleanroom tests

New certifications have been received for cleanroom use of Chainflex cables and Energy Chain cable carriers. These meet ISO cleanroom standard 14644-1 which is based on air cleanliness in cleanrooms and similarly controlled environments. Igus has control and servo cables for near-sterile environments, as well as ISO-approved cable carriers within the families of System E3, System E4/100, System E6, and E-Z Chain. Each product has passed a particulate test. Results show that Chainflex control cables CF9 and CF34, servo cable CF27, and Energy Chain Series E3-15 and E6-29 meet Class 1 requirements, the top-tier certification recognized by ISO.

Igus Inc., Box 14349, East Providence, R.I. 02914, (800) 521-2747, info.ims.ca/6953-261

Transfer tape works well on vinyls

A manufacturer of pressure-sensitive adhesive tape introduces the 7603-PET acrylic adhesive-transfer tape. These transfer tapes bond well at room temperature to a variety of challenging plasticized substrates, including most vinyl sheets, vinyl-banner materials, vinyl-lettering materials, and vinyl extrusions. The tape works well in a range of applications including sound damping, vibration damping, and dissipating shock energy. The transfer tape is made with 3 mils of moderate tack, acrylic adhesive coated onto a 2-mil silicone-coated, clear plastic liner for improved die cutting and removing. The tape has excellent peel and shear properties, and works on 30% monomeric plasticized vinyl, one of the more challenging vinyl materials.

Adchem Corp, 1852 Old Country Road, Riverhead, NY 11901, (631) 727-6000, info.ims.ca/6953-262

High-strength stainless steel couplings

A series of 17-4PH stainless steel couplings work well in applications calling for high strength, excellent fatigue resistance, and high torsional stiffness. The couplings provide twice the torque of versions in 303 stainless and 7075-T6 aluminum. Couplings are machined from a solid piece of material. W and H Series general-purpose couplings work well for heavy duty uses such as pumps, lead screws, positioning systems, and processing equipment. The W Series (metric) accommodates shaft sizes from 3 to 20 mm, the MC Series from 0.156 to 1.75 in., and the H Series from 1.5 to 19 mm. All transmit torque through 5° and operate at temperatures to 600F (300C).

Helical Products Company Inc., 901 West McCoy Lane, Box 1069, Santa Maria, CA 93456, (877) 353-9873, info.ims.ca/6953-263

Miniature ball screw compensates for wear

The Series 1510 miniature precision ball screws come with a spring preloaded double nut to compensate for torque variations from inaccuracies in the ground thread. Another benefit of the preload: wear compensation. The result is smooth motion with near constant idling torque. The screws are available in 3 to 16-mm diameters with down to 0.5-mm pitch. The standard nut body is cylindrical with a convenient attaching thread. Also, the Series 1530 miniature ball screws come with rolled threads for less demanding positioning applications.

Steinmeyer Inc., 217 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, MA 01803, (781) 273-6220, info.ims.ca/6953-264

Small machine for small parts

Microlution CNC micro-milling machines now come with a 36-pocket automatic tool changer. The machines use standard G-code. The builder reports a 2-micron positioning accuracy, 20-nm resolution, and 200-nm repeatability, all within a 4ft² footprint. The developer says the machines suit the cutting of small precision parts with complex 3D free-form geometry in a wide range of materials including plastic, metal, glass, and ceramics. A ball-and-vee kinematic mounting system allows removing and replacing spindles and workpiece pallets with sub-micron repeatability. Operators can thus interrupt a machining operation, remove the workpiece pallet, and inspect and replace it without having to reregister. The machines are built on precision-ground granite support structures and use AC linear motors and linear optical encoders on the X, Y, and Z stages.

Microlution Inc., 4038 N. Nashville Ave., Chicago, IL 60634, info.ims.ca/6953-265

Cooling fans for high-vibration jobs

Taylor Industrial Electronics has agreed to distribute the air-moving devices of ETRI designs. TIE will introduce a range of 400 Hz and 28 Vdc fans. The 400-Hz unit is small but powerful and ranges from 56 × 38 mm to 275 × 214 mm with an airflow from 12 to 2,100 cfm. The fans use either single or three phase motors for a voltage of 115 to 200 Vac, and handle high shock and vibration.

Taylor Industrial Electronics, 8355 N. Steven Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53223, (414) 365-6335, info.ims.ca/6953-266

Silicone cables ready for medical tasks

Cicoil silicone cabling is ideal for medical applications. The cables are made of medical grade silicone, and compatible with all medical connectors. The cable assembles easily, and withstands temperature extremes and chemical sterilization without becoming brittle or degrading. The silicone is flexible and soft to the touch, allowing direct contact with the human body. In addition, the silicone cables come in FDA approved versions for implant applications. The company's silicone coated flat cables provide high flexibility, long life, and they can withstand temperature extremes from -65 to +260C.

Cicoil Corp, 409 Via Corta, Palos Verdes Estates, CA, (661) 295-1295, info.ims.ca/6953-267

Catalog of backplanes and more

An industry designer and manufacturer of high-performance backplanes has developed a new version of its product and services catalog. The new Bustronic catalog has information on the company's backplanes, system accessories, and services. Products include backplanes in the VME/64x, CompactPCI/2.16, MicroTCA, AdvancedTCA, VXS, and VPX architectures, and more. System accessories include extender cards, load boards, voltage and system monitors, and power interface boards. The catalog also features Bustronic's design services and signal integrity analysis expertise.

Elma Bustronic Inc., 44350 Grimmer Blvd, Fremont, CA 94538, (510) 490-7388, info.ims.ca/6953-269

Take this vacuum supply almost anywhere

A battery-powered vacuum station is suitable for hold-down devices and lifting applications where ac power is not available. The VFP-57-dc station includes a heavy-duty rechargeable 12 V, 12-A automotive battery and an integrated 1.5-A charger. The station includes a 0.33-hp motor that drives a 2.2-cfm piston pump, reservoir, and a vacuum check valve and pump control. The station comes with an ergonomic handlebar, a pushbutton control pendant with a coiled 8-ft. cord, front mounted controls, gauges, and indicator lights. Controls cycle the motor and pump at preset levels to maintain a safe vacuum level and conserve power.

Anver Corp., 36 Parmenter Rd. Hudson, MA 01749, (800) 654-3500, info.ims.ca/6953-268

Scanners for lasers

Galvo Scanners work with the manufacturer's diode lasers so the beam spot can be focused at any point in the working field. Scanners include complete F-Theta optics, collimation, and Visual Laser Marker software. Devices come with 20 or 30-mm apertures and 200 or 400 mµ fibers. The beam diameter covers a 0.6-mm spot size in a 105 × 105 mm field to a 3-mm spot size in a 235 × 235 mm field.

Dilas Diode Laser Inc., 9070 S. Rita Rd., Suite 1500, Tucson, AZ 85747, info.ims.ca/6953-270

Portable measuring arm

The Quantum FaroArm portable measuring device takes point measurements in its 8-ft. working volume with ± 0.0007 accuracy. It uses fully programmable software for repetitive measurements and requires no programming for first-article inspections. The arm uses Blue Tooth to send data 10 meters to widely used CAD programs. Joint stress-overload sensors maintain calibration and prevent improper use and unnecessary wear. Electronic i-Probes contain sensors that compensate for probe deformation due to temperature changes. The Quantum is manufactured to ISO:17025 standards and independently certified to meet UL and CSA standards and CE compliance.

Faro USA, 125 Technology Park Dr., Lake Mary, FL 32746, (407) 333-9911, info.ims.ca/6953-271

Image sensor for machine vision

The KAI-01050 image sensor for machine vision uses a 5.5-µ pixel that is said to be 45% the size of previous pixels, but still retains the dynamic range of the larger size. Quad-output architecture allows readout speeds of up to 120 frames/sec. Smear has been reduced in to -100 dB. A low-noise amplifier enhances performance in low-light applications.

Eastman Kodak Co., 1999 Lake Ave., Rochester, N.Y., 14650, (585) 477-1470, info.ims.ca/6953-272

Manual, video-based vision system

It is said the Galileo EZ manual, video-based vision system is a natural upgrade from a comparator, without the complexity of PC-based software. The device features a precision mechanical bearing with a measuring stage of 8 × 4 × 6 in. or 12 × 6 × 5 in., 6 to 1 video optics, dual-output 150-W fiber-optic illumination for the ring light, and collimated substage light. The Galileo shows X-Y-Z digital-readout display and measurement data. It also can detect edge points by scanning the image area inside a circle around the crosshairs on the display, eliminating operator subjectivity. The device targets manufacturing, general-purpose QA inspection, and R&D non-contact measurement applications.

The L.S. Starrett Co., 121 Crescent St., Athol, MA 01331, (978) 249-3551, info.ims.ca/6953-273

Wire EDM for medical

The MD+Pro II wire EDM is intended for producing medical parts. It features a simplified wire-drive technology, an all stainless-steel work area, and an open-table design that shortens part setup and maintenance time. Workpiece dimensions are 27.5 × 23.2 × 8.4 in., machining range is 12.6 × 9.8 × 8.6 in., and maximum taper angle is 15° at 4.0-in. material thickness. A stacked filter reduces floor-space requirements. Installation dimensions are 69.5 × 89.6 × 80.2 in.

MC Machinery Systems Inc., 1500 Michael Dr., Wood Dale, IL 60191, (630) 616-5920, info.ims.ca/6953-274

Pocket-size bearing tester

The pocket-size Bearing Tester detects early bearing damage and marginal lube-film conditions. A built-in microprocessor analyzes shock-pulse patterns from the bearing and the LED provides an immediate evaluation. The tester also has an infrared sensor to measure surface temperature, and a stethoscope function to detect sound irregularities by way of optional earphones.

The Timken Co., 1835 Dueber Ave. S.W., Box 6932, Canton, OH 44706, info.ims.ca/6953-275

Composites explained on Web site

A supplier of composite cannula and dielectric insulating shafts has upgraded its Web site. The site now contains printable design guides, material and application information, and product photos. A RFQ system lets engineers upload drawings and specs directly to the company's engineering and sales group.

Polygon Company, PO Box 176, 103 Industrial Park Dr., Walkerton, IN 46574, (800) 918-9261, info.ims.ca/6953-276

Non-contact and touchless rotary sensors

A series of non-contact and fully touchless rotary position sensors are suited to mobile and other harsh environment, limited-space applications. The devices feature two sensing technologies: a non-contact technology with a rotating shaft is found in RSC 1300, 2200, 2800, and 3700 series. The newest technology is touchless, with no shaft, and a round position marker that mounts separately a distance from the detecting sensor component. The Vert-x E and RFC series sensors are based on this touchless technology. Rotary sensors include miniatures measuring 13-mm diameter for use in tight applications to rugged 48-mm rotary-angle sensors sealed up to IP69K to operate under adverse conditions.

Novotechnik U.S. Mobile Div., 39111 West Six Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48152, (734) 591-7476, info.ims.ca/6953-278

Single conduit handles multiple fluid lines

Fluoroplastic paratubing consists of two to four tubes longitudinally thermally welded, creating one conduit consisting of multiple individual tubes. Paratubing lets OEMs run several fluid lines as one entity and then split the tubes apart for branching to different connectors when needed. The paratubing is available in Texflour FEP and PFA and is offered in sizes as small as 0.031-in ID × 0.030-in. wall up to 3-in. OD. These materials offer a non-stick surface, are chemically inert and non-leaching, and both materials have a low refractive index, for visual inspection. Paratubing also comes in colors for distinct identification of different fluid lines.

Parker / TexLoc, 4700 Lone Star Blvd., Ft. Worth, TX 76106, (800) 423-6551, info.ims.ca/6953-279

Mini screwrail for auto sampling and dispensing

The Mini ScrewRail includes a precision-rolled lead screw, supported by sealed bearings and contained within a concentric steel guide rail, driving an integrated nut/bushing. The screwrail is available in a 0.375-in. OD, smaller than typical diameters of 0.500 to 1.00-in. Specific applications include medical and auto-dispensing systems, medical instrumentation, and medical packaging.

Kerk Motion Products Inc., 1 Kerk Dr., Hollis, NH 03049, (603) 465-7227, info.ims.ca/6953-280

Low-power microcontroller for portable equipment

A system-on-chip microcontroller unit provides a complete signal chain for handheld medical applications. The MSP430FG4270's 16-bit RISC architecture improves performance and extends battery life. Five low-power modes, with a standby power consumption of only 1.1 µA, conserve power, and the system takes less than 6 µs to wake-up from standby to active mode. On-chip functions that eliminate external components include a high-performance 16-bit sigma-delta analog-to-digital converter with internal reference and five differential analog inputs, 12-bit digital to analog converter, two configurable operational amplifiers, 16-bit timer, 16-bit registers, 32 I/O pins, zero-power brown-out reset, and a liquid crystal display driver with contrast control for up to 56 segments.

Texas Instruments Inc., P.O. Box 660199, Dallas, TX 75266, (972) 995-2011, info.ims.ca/6953-281

Low-friction pneumatic actuators

The MQ series of pneumatic actuators use precision machined cylinders to reduce sliding friction. Breakaway pressure is as low as 0.15 psi. MQQs come in 10, 16, 20, 25, 30, and 40-mm bore sizes. Operating pressure ranges from 0.75 to 75 psi and speeds go from 0.3 to 500 mm/sec. Standard strokes range from 10 to 100 mm. MQMs suit applications that require high-frequency operation. Operating speeds can be as high as 120 in/sec. Standard strokes range from 15 to 100 mm. MQPs come in 4, 6, 10, 16, and 20-mm bore sizes and have a standard stroke of 10 mm.

SMC Corp. of America, 141 Myford Rd., Tustin, CA 92780, (714)-669-0941, info.ims.ca/6953-282