The general public might think of the 21st century as an era of revolutionary technological platforms, such as smart-phones or social media. But for many scientists, this century is the era of another type of platform: two-dimensional materials, and their unexpected secrets.

Compact Linear Induction Motor

H2W, Santa Clarita, CA, has developed a compact linear induction motor that can generate 10.6 lb [47 N] at a 15 percent duty cycle. Operating at 208 VAC 3-phase 60 Hz, the synchronous velocity of the LMAA-04-01 is 160 in./sec [4 m/s]. The LIM was designed for highspeed operation; however, it can also be operated at stall (zero speed) to produce static thrust. The motor is encapsulated using high-temperature 350 °F [176 °C] potting compound, which protects the components and seals it from moisture.

Luminescent quantum dots are finding new and exciting applications in current nano-science research, including improved solar energy collectors, LEDs, and quantum computers. A recent thrust from the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory's Nanoscience Institute is focused on applying them as tools for neuroscience, opening the doors for a new way to observe brain activity and its functions.

Researchers at Washington State University have developed an implantable, biofuel-powered sensor that runs on sugar and can monitor a body's biological signals to detect, prevent and diagnose diseases.

The medical device and engineering industry continues to grow and evolve year over year. As technology improves, the population expands, and the depth and breadth of medical knowledge and treatments grow, so does our need for better devices and equipment. As such, current trends spanning all industries, like electronics getting smaller and more powerful, as well as increased focus on improved customer experience, have greater implications and challenges for the medical industry. Should a device fail, a patient's well-being could be endangered. Additionally, medical devices need to be portable, costs need to be judiciously managed so that treatment can be made available to the populace, and reliability is crucial.

Motion capture (Mocap) is a technique used in the film industry to digitally track a human actor's movements and precisely transfer those motions to an animated figure. But it has other applications as well. Digitally tracking a person's motions can be used to analyze medical problems such as degenerative disc disease, chronic lower back pain, and scoliosis in adults and children.

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Washington University in St. Louis have developed a surgical camera inspired by the eye of the morpho butterfly. The camera, connected to the goggles worn by a surgeon, sees infrared signals given off by tumor-binding dyes so that the surgeon can remove all of the cancerous tissue. The camera was tested in mice and in human patients with breast cancer.

Lifting Column

LINAK, Louisville, KY, has launched a new actuator for healthcare equipment. The LA40 HP handles heavy loads by delivering a push of 8,000 N at full stroke and adheres to the strict safety standards and testing requirements for medical applications. The actuator was designed for a wide range of applications and is ideal for surgery and treatment tables, dental chairs, and hospital beds. The unit has an IPX6 DURA™ rating, making it easy to clean. With an advanced ratchet-spline, it prevents potential crush injuries caused by moving parts and thus provides greater safety for both patients and clinicians.

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IMPLANTABLE SENSOR TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM FOR ADVANCED PROSTHETIC CONTROL

The Implantable Myoelectric Sensor (IMES) system transmits localized myoelectric signals simultaneously from multiple muscle sources, and is integrated into prosthetic systems to control electromechanical prosthetic devices. The IMES implants detect myoelectric signals generated by residual muscles of an amputated limb that are still under control of the brain. These signals are wirelessly transmitted to an external processor that controls the movement of a prosthetic device. Control can be intuitive by assigning the muscle’s signal to a prosthetic function that correlates with the hand function that muscle provided prior to its amputation.

In an effort to improve patient safety and device durability, Mindray has incorporated Eastman’s medical polymers into its current generation of patient monitors. Used in healthcare facilities throughout North America, the Passport Series of bedside monitors, T1 monitor/module and Accutorr Series of spot check monitors are now fully compatible with a list of more than 20 of today’s most commonly used cleaners and disinfectants in use due to the increased emphasis on infection control.