Originally Published MPMN November 2001

HOTLINE

Display Allows Wide-Angle Stereoscopic Viewing

Viewers do not need special eyewear

An autostereoscopic display provides wide viewing angles, allowing several engineers to view images at the same time. Developed by Stereographics Corp. (San Rafael, CA), the SynthaGram monitor provides realistic viewing of complex 3-D computer graphics without the need to don special eyewear. The Stereo3D technology's true-depth depiction reduces the amount of time engineers and scientists spend on graphical data interpretation and improves comprehension of data. "As flat-panel displays become more prevalent, we offer a stereoscopic visualization solution that will provide a realistic viewing experience," says founder and chief technology officer Lenny Lipton.

The SynthaGram is supported by Windows ME/2000/NT/98 operating systems. The monitor includes an LCD panel, a lenticular screen, a viewer to play back stereo images, a graphics card with a digital output adapter, and software plug-ins that enable the creation of autostereographic images on existing graphics programs. A software developer's kit includes an application-programming interface that supplies tools necessary to create software that supports autostereoscopic displays. Applications include virtual prototyping and medical imaging.

Katherine Sweeny

StereoGraphics Corp., 2171 E. Francisco Blvd., San Rafael, CA 94901; Phone: 800/783-2660; Fax: 415/459-3020; www.stereographics.com

Nd:YAG Lasers Mark without Chemicals

Systems precisely mark at high speeds

A diode with an average life of 10,000 –15,000 working hours is the only consumable in a company's CW and Q-switched Nd:YAG solid-state lasers. Developed by Gold International Machinery Corp., LaserGold Div. (Pawtucket, RI), the lasers come in 5-, 10-, and 20-W models at up to 1064 nm. The Violino laser systems offer end pumping and optical reshaping technologies that deliver 30–40% output efficiency, beam quality, and the stability needed for precision marking on plastics and other materials. They are air-cooled, do not require an extra chiller, and come with Windows NT laser marking software. Focused into the fiber optics, the laser spot size measures 20–50 µm diam depending on the focal lens. Sealed in a Class 1000 cleanroom, the resonator is impervious to dust and humidity, preventing destruction of the crystal and misalignment of mirrors. The laser requires no chemical treatment to mark plastics or metals, and the diode source has replaced disposable flash lamps to reduce maintenance. Marking rates can go as high as 1500 mm/sec without sacrificing mark quality.

The units are no larger than a PC tower and can be integrated into production lines. Additional available wavelengths include 355, 532, 808, and 940 nm for applications such as soldering, microcutting, and microdrilling. The Violino lasers were "developed to address the increasing need in precision manufacturing for marking to trace and identify manufactured goods quickly, without chemicals or inks," says executive vice president Joshua Gold.

Katherine Sweeney

Gold International Machinery Corp., LaserGold Div., P.O. Box 998, Pawtucket, RI 02862-0998; Phone: 401/724-3200; Fax: 401/724-6310; www.goldmachinery.com

Ergonomic Pipette Eases User Strain

Device enables fluid transfer with reduced gripping force

Conforming to the shape of a user's hand, a pipette from VistaLab Technologies (Pleasantville, NY) reduces strain by enabling fluid transfer to be performed with a natural posture and minimal muscular movement. "Pipetting is the primary cause of musculoskeletal injury in labs," explains spokesperson Michael Wagner. "Common injuries that can result from the process include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, epicondylitis, and trigger finger." The Ovation BioNatural pipette reduces the occurrence of these ailments by lowering the required hand position and relaxing the wrist angle. Because the product fits naturally in the hand, the amount of gripping force needed to hold the product is also reduced.

The Ovation BioNatural pipette is suited for dispensing liquids in volumes of 0.2 µl to 1 ml, and stores up to five user-defined volume settings for quick changeover. Aspiration, dispensing, and other functions are performed using a low-force plunger and release button. The unit produces an audible click when a tip is properly fitted, and discards it automatically at the push of a button. Other benefits include bright coloration to ease identification and the tool's ability to stand without the aid of a rack or holder.

Zachary Turke

VistaLab Technologies, 270 Marble Ave., Pleasantville, NY 10570; Phone: 888/652-6520 or 914/749-8700; Fax: 914/749-8705; www.mlasystems.com/html/nf/home.html

Medical Product Manufacturing News is always on the lookout for innovative products and services. If you are aware of any that have recently been or are about to be introduced, please call the Hotline editor, at 310/445-4265.

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