Originally Published MPMN March 2005

PRODUCTS

Products from the MPMN Mailbox

EMI/RFI Air Filters

Dual EMI/RFI honeycomb air filters for medical electronics enclosure applications now incorporate the latest flame-resistant coatings and antimicrobial additives. Universal Air Filter (Sauget, IL; www.uaf.com) offers the compact, removable air filters for use with medical devices. The dual EMI air filter incorporates the latest flame-resistant coatings. Fully integrated into the air filter assembly, the honeycomb EMI shield consists of cells engineered to trap and absorb EMI noise while maintaining high levels of openness for minimal air flow impedance. The filters deliver more than 60 dB attenuation over a 10 kHz – 1 GHz range. A gasket installed around the frame ensures conductivity of the frame to the enclosure.

F-Crimp Flag Disconnect

A fully insulated, low-profile F-crimp flag disconnect terminal eliminates the need for heat-shrinkable tubing. The terminal from ETCO Inc. (Warwick, RI; www.etco.com) features a fully insulated closed back and is made from UL 94V-0 rated fire-retardant nylon. It incorporates an open-barrel ear section that allows the wire to be crimped quickly and easily. The terminal is designed to accept #18-14 AWG wire and mate with 0.187–0.25-in. male tabs. It measures 1.0 × 0.48 × 0.35 in. and is 150°C rated.

Optical Switch

An optical switch is designed for use in CATV, data distribution, network protection, system monitoring, and other applications. The LFS series optical switch from M2 Optics (San Marcos, CA; www.m2optics.com) is self-contained and features front panel receptacles and latching-type optical switches that route the signal in less than 10 ms. Offered in a variety of single- and multimode configurations, the switch can operate as a standalone switch or be integrated into a system. The switch’s single-mode operating wavelengths are 1280-1340 nm and 1525-1625 nm, respectively, with ≤0.6 dB typical and ≤1.0 dB maximum insertion loss. Multimode wavelengths are 850-1350 nm with ≤0.5 dB typical and ≤0.8 maximum insertion loss. It is rated for over 10,000,000 operations and is powered by a 9 V alkaline battery.

Pull-Ring Plugs

OEM parts and products can be protected during shipping, storage, masking, and other operations using plugs with a built-in pull ring. The PR series of tapered pull-ring plugs from Polymer Molding Inc. (Erie, PA; www.pmimolding.com) have a patented pull-ring design to make the plug easier to remove. Constructed of low-density polyethylene in standard blue, the plugs are available to fit all popular NPT, SAE, and JIC sizes. Sizes from 0.361 to 2.49 in. are offered. Plug depths range from ¼ to ½ in. Outer diameters of the pull rings are from 0.745 to 3.075 in.

Nitinol Product Manufacturing

A contract manufacturer of micromachined parts and components now offers nitinol product manufacturing. Norman Noble Inc. (Highland Heights, OH; www.nnoble.com) has added shape-setting services to complement its nitinol micromachining and electropolishing. Nitinol’s chemical properties include the ability to “remember” a defined shape when the metal is brought to a specific temperature. The metal has since been used in the development of new medical technologies, such as arterial stents. In response to the medical industry’s growing interest in products made with this material, the company is now equipped to manufacture, finish, assemble, and package nitinol components.

Copyright ©2005 Medical Product Manufacturing News