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Clear, phthalate-free thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) from Elastocon TPE Technologies can be used as alternatives to PVC materials in medical products. The CLR series of TPEs are available in 65 and 75 Shore A hardnesses, giving tubing made from them a soft feel. Developed for applications that require oil- and plasticiser-free formulations and nonblooming high-strength properties, the materials also feature clamp resilience and kinking and necking resistance. Selected grades can be overmoulded onto polypropylene. Available in ready-to-use pellets or as concentrates, the US FDA–compliant TPEs are suited for applications requiring UV stability. Elastocon currently offers the 2800 and 8000 series of TPEs, the SMR series of TPOs, the STK series for overmoulding, and alloys for injection and blow moulding, extrusion or compounding. 

Rochester, IL, USA +1 217 498 8500  www.elastocontpe.com

The first in a family of fully integrated analogue front ends (AFEs) for portable ECG and EEG equipment as well as patient monitoring and consumer-targeted medical products has been introduced by Texas Instruments. The new AFE reduces power consumption and component count by 95% compared with discrete devices, according to the manufacturer. In addition to achieving power efficiencies of 1 mW/channel, the eight-channel, 24-bit ADS1298 provides high levels of diagnostic accuracy. These features will enable manufacturers to develop equipment that is more portable and affordable than what is currently available, according to TI. Complementing the AFE is the low-power TMS320C5505 DSP family. At less than 0.15-mW/MHz power consumption, the TMS320C5505 maximises battery life for portable patient monitoring applications. Four and six channel versions of the AFE will be available soon.

Freising, Germany +49 8161 802 121  www.ti.com/medical

A developer of bespoke metrology systems for the orthopaedics industry has introduced a taper measurement gauge to ensure that tolerances are met and a part identification gauge to verify that the correct parts have been packaged together. Tapers on implants are stringently controlled with tolerances as low as 10 µ. Coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) and air gauges are traditionally used to verify dimensions, but both techniques have drawbacks, according to Trac Measurement Systems Ltd. The CMM is slow and the capital outlay is considerable; the air gauge, on the other hand, is very quick but cost of ownership is high because of the many masters that are needed. The Mechanical Taper Gauge from Trac couples speed with 1-µ accuracy. The use of analogue scanning provides a wealth of data and has the added advantage of outputting straightness.
Trac Measurement Systems Ltd

Shropshire, UK +44 1902 428 212  www.trac-group.com