Med-Tech Innovation Products and Services


PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Simplified linear motion device


Traditional linear motion solutions require external guidance. The Glide Screw from Thomson requires no external guides, it is self-lubricating and suitable for small applications. The device uses the outside of the screw as a bearing surface. Installation, surface preparation and alignment take one quarter of the time required to install a profile rail guided system, states the company. The Glide Screw is a screw and a nut that can handle axial, radial and moment loads. It has a bearing grade finish with radial bearings that slide along the outside of the screw. The bearing interface is between the inside races of the radial bearings and outside diameter of the screw. Opposing reactionary forces are employed to handle radial loads where the bearings contact the outside of the screw. Twisting or moment loads also transition through the bearings. The device uses the integrated Thomson self-lubricating “Lube-


for-Life” system. A polymer block within the lead nut acts as a sponge that has lubricant infused within its pores from which a small amount of lubricant diffuses out as the nut moves along the screw. The device can handle small samples in diagnostic instruments and is suitable for dispensing pumps where there is little side load. Even with little side load, traditional screws need some guidance to avoid problems with binding or chatter. This device handles the pumping push/pull axial force and uses the outside diameter of the screw for guidance, eliminating the need for even a micro guide. Where extremely high precision is required, a ball screw may still be needed, but for many medical applications this device can meet requirements. The simplified design means fewer components than traditional solutions. It removes the need to over-design an instrument and eliminates things that add cost, complexity and potential areas of failure. The base product can be customised. Thomson Tel. +44 (0)1271 334 500, www.thomsonlinear.com/glidescrew


and digital SPI output are available. The series is designed with a microcontroller for precision digital signal conditioning that provides high resolution. Devices are available for use with 5V or 3V supply voltage. Samples are available for product testing. All Sensors Corporation Tel. +1 408 225 4314, www.allsensors.com


New smart injection pen


Product development company Cambridge Consultants has designed an injection pen for diabetes patients that captures the exact dose delivered and sends the information to an associated smartphone app – all without the use of a battery. The action of removing the injector cap powers the device.


By being able to confirm


the actual injection event and the exact dose of insulin delivered, and deducing the time it was delivered via the smartphone, the KiCoPen allows patients to be confident they are on track with their daily insulin regimen; this, in turn, improves compliance, results in better glycaemic control and helps reduce late-stage complications. In addition, the pen uses energy harvesting – from the motion of the


cap removal and replacement – to power the electronics, which are based on a single chip. Eliminating the battery means the injector can be more reliable, and manufacturing and assembly effort is reduced, says the company. Vaishali Kamat, Head of Digital Health at Cambridge Consultants, said, “Our new injection pen design allows patients to more easily self-manage their treatment, while ensuring they’re getting the exact amount of insulin they need. It also proves to manufacturers that such an innovative, low-cost design can also be applied to pre-filled pens.” The company is also developing a companion app that can provide the patient with access to all the necessary data and relevant analytics – in one place – to manage their diabetes. Cambridge Consultants Tel. +44 (0)1223 420 024, www.cambridgeconsultants.com


Ultra-low pressure sensors


All Sensors has released a new line of ultra-low pressure sensors ranging from 0.1 inH2O to 2 inH2O. The FPS Series employs innovative flow-based technology that integrates a flow channel with sensing elements. Utilising a proprietary chopper offset compensation technique, a superior offset stability is achieved of better than 0.1%, reports the company. This technology provides extreme miniaturisation that reduces the gas flow rate to provide high immunity to dust contamination and humidity. Lower flow rates also allow for the use of input filters and long pneumatic tubing without sacrificing calibrated accuracy. The FPS is based on sensitive thermal mass flow measuring principles. Analogue


www.med-techinnovation.com Software update for 3D printing


ZMorph has issued an updated version of its Voxelizer software, which allows the modelling of volume as well as shape, making it suitable for printing from medical scans and where volume is an essential property of the printed object. It is free to download from the website: http://voxelizer.com/download. It is compatible with all open-source RepRap printers, including Makerbot and Ultimaker brands. Beyond 3D additive printing, Voxelizer also supports processes such as 3D milling and laser cutting. ZMorph Tel. +48 71 78 66 280, www.zmorph3d.com


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