Choose Right Medical Casters in a Healthcare Environment

Design medical equipment with operator experience & workplace ergonomics in mind by selecting the right medical casters.

 

To understand the importance of using the right casters on medical equipment in a healthcare environment, let us examine a scene in an archetypal hospital where patients, carts and sensitive equipment are constantly ushered to various rooms, crossing multiple floors and possibly traveling long distance. Since the environment is in flux, it is imperative to consider the performance and failure rates of casters when evaluating the design of medical equipment both using original casters and replacement casters.

 

While failure rates are easy to measure, quantifying the performance of casters can be relatively difficult especially because casters tend to become less efficient over time. Just because a caster is still functional, it is not necessarily performing optimally. To illustrate, wrong casters may fail to absorb shock optimally whereby constantly transferring unacceptable shocks to both the equipment and the operator, leading to breakdown of the equipment and potential injuries to the operator. Additionally, an untimely caster failure can put critical equipment temporarily out of use.

 

Since casters need to constantly perform at their peak and be durable to create a positive impact on ROI, the logical next step is to examine how to identify the right medical casters for intended applications. Here are a few key points to consider:

 

  1. Wheel Material: The wheel material that you select impacts a variety of performance parameters. Popular choices for medical applications include Neoprene and Urethane wheels which are considered quiet, non-marking and shock absorbent. Accounting for these factors creates an environment which restricts noise levels for both patients and operators, reduces risk of damaging floors, while also extenuating damages to the equipment and injury to personnel.

 

  1. Load Capacity: In general, it is recommended that each caster should have the capacity to support one-third of the total load weight of the load.

 

  1. Floor and Environmental Conditions: Floor conditions could include towing equipment on greasy surfaces. Environmental conditions could include exposure to harsh chemicals, etc. These factors need to be weighed when selecting casters.

 

  1. Requirements for Braking and Locking Mechanism: There are various options available. Usually, the braking and locking mechanism on medical casters is more complex than on industrial casters.

 

  1. Wheel Diameter and Bearing: Optimal wheel diameter and bearing selection will have a positive impact on maximizing mobility and enhancing workplace ergonomics.

 

  1. G-force (a measurement of the type of acceleration that causes a perception of weight): A lower g-force improves shock absorption and provides extra protection to the equipment while also assisting to reduce injury risks to operators.

 

  1. Durability: Consider the number of kilometers a single piece of medical equipment is expected to travel during its product life cycle. Casters with durability curate replacement costs.

 

  1. IEC / ISO Specifications:

 

  • IEC 60601: Technical standard for the safety and effectiveness of medical equipment
  • ISO 22881: Requirement for use on manually propelled equipment for institution applications
  • ISO 22882: Requirements for castors for hospital beds
  • ISO 22883: Requirement for applications up to 4 km/h
  • ISO 22884: Requirement for applications over 16 km/h

 

For the OEMs, besides considering the points above that end-users value, the following can be factored in:

 

  1. Aesthetics, A Key Element of Product Design: In an era where form is considered as important as function, imagine a situation where a cutting edge ultrasound machine is outfitted with casters that appear more like tools added purely for their functional value. This would reduce the premium feel of the equipment. Similar to cutting edge automobiles which use wheels to enhance the function as well as the appearance of their products, casters can be used to add to the overall design and premium feel of the medical equipment.

 

  1. Using Casters with A Positive Reputation: Many end-users prefer casters from trustworthy and well-known manufacturers therefore including these casters on the original equipment creates additional value for the end-users.

 

  1. Collaborating with Caster Manufacturers at The Early Stage of New Product Development: To ensure that casters are “right” for the intended application, it is a great practice to involve caster manufacturers early in the product design process. Early inputs from caster manufacturers can reduce the time to market and significantly improve design value.

 

Selecting the right casters makes a positive impact to a variety of key areas including longevity of equipment and enhanced workplace ergonomics. The right casters improve efficiency and productivity and, in turn, ROI.

 

To find the trustworthy and well-known medical caster manufacturer, I recommend you to visit Enjoying Go Co., Ltd. – they are the Taiwan caster wheel manufacturer specializing in kinds of office chair casters, furniture caster wheels, hardwood floor casters, medical caster wheels, etc. Today, if you have requirement or interest in caster wheel replacement, please do not miss Enjoying Go!

 

Article Source: Darcor

2019 Tapioca Industry Global Market Research Report

Tapioca is a starch extracted from the roots of cassava. It mainly contains carbohydrates and low amounts of nutrients like vitamins, fiber, proteins, and others. It has a texture similar to corn flour. It has a neutral taste and is grain-free, gluten-free, and nut-free. It is called by different names in different regions.

 

According to Research Reports World’s market research report, the increased awareness on the health benefits of tapioca will be one of the major factors fueling the growth of the tapioca market during the next few years.

 

APAC is expected to be the major revenue contributor to the market throughout the forecast period. This region is the largest market and second-largest producer of tapioca products. The leading countries driving the demand for cassava flour products in APAC are China, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and India. Tapioca chips are readily available in India and are more popular than potato chips.

 

Global Tapioca market size will have rising tendency from 2018 to 2025. If you want to learn more Tapioca Industry Global Market Research Report, please visit: Research Reports World

 

By the way, if you have interest in common tapioca products like tapioca pearls, I recommend you to visit Empire Eagle Food Co., Ltd. – they are the professional tapioca and bubble tea supplier in Taiwan. Visit Empire Eagle for more details of bubble tea toppings.

 

Article Source: Reuters

Guide of Control Valve Actuator: Types and When to Use The Right Valve Actuator?

When scaling out a new control valve, vendors should support with every specification and recommend the right device for the application. Also, what is important to know is which type of control valve actuator is actually needed.

 

This article will tell you all you need to know about control valve actuators, the part of a control valve that receives commands from the control system to create a force that moves a control valve. Control valve actuators do this either directly or through a control valve positioner, which converts digital or analog signal to pneumatic output.

 

Types of Control Valve Actuator

There are five commonly used control valve actuator types. So let’s take a quick look at each.

 

  • Pneumatic Control Valve Actuator

This type has a flexible diaphragm with pressure applied against the force of the actuator spring. When the control system sends its signal, the actuator creates a force that overcomes the force of the spring, moving the actuator stem.

 

We have two types of action in a pneumatic actuator: direct and reverse. Direct action means the actuator pushes the stem down and the spring pushes it up. Reverse action will move the stem up, and the spring moves it down.

 

  • Pneumatic Control Valve Piston Actuator

This works much like an actuator with a diaphragm and spring. However, this actuator replaces the diaphragm with a piston. We have two types of action here too: linear and rotating. Linear moves the actuator component in a straight line and rotating turns it.

 

  • Electric Control Valve Actuator

This actuator has a motor and gearbox to create torque that moves the valve up and down. We can find this electric control valve actuator in linear and rotating control valves.

 

  • Electric-Hydraulic Control Valve Actuator

This type mixes electric signals and hydraulic units to act on the valve. The signal will control the flow of oil to open and close the valve, using a flapper-nozzle system similar to a pneumatic system.

 

  • Hydraulic Control Valve Actuator

This works much like a pneumatic actuator, and we can use it in linear and rotating control valves. However, it uses fluid rather than air to create force in its system.

 

If you have interest and requirement of electric control valve actuator or other valve actuators, I recommend you to visit Sun Yeh Electrical Ind. Co., Ltd. – they specialize in manufacturing kinds of electric actuators. Today, contact with Sun Yeh for more details!

 

Article Source: Visaya

Guide of KVM Extender: Types of KVM Extender and Which Do You Need?

What Type of KVM Extender Do You Need?

While all KVM extenders are used to connect users to their computers, there are a wide variety of customer needs and important features to look for when purchasing a KVM extender. In order to find the best KVM extender for your configuration here are the major questions to consider in advance:

  • What video signals do you need to extend?
  • Do you need to extend signals for one screen (single-head) or multiple screens (multi-head)?
  • What types of peripherals do you need to extend (USB HID, USB 2.0/3.0, audio, serial, etc.)?
  • What distances do you need to cover between the users and the computers?
  • What transmission medium will connect the users and computers (CATx/Fibre/IP Network)?

Types of KVM Extenders

There are different types of KVM extenders that are capable of transmitting various signals: VGA, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort video signals, as well as keyboard and mouse, transparent USB, digital or analogue audio and serial formats like RS232.

KVM extension works over CATx cabling, fiber optic cabling, or an IP network:

  • Optical Fiber KVM Extenders are ideal when there is a need for an increased signal range (between buildings for example), for applications that require enhanced network security, for transmission of uncompressed high-bandwidth signals (4K60), or when your network configuration requires immunity from electrical interference (galvanic isolation)
  • KVM Over IP Extenders are preferred for applications where connectivity needs to be established across vast distances, where scalability of the system is crucial (KVM switching), or it is preferable to extend over an existing LAN infrastructure or even the Internet
  • CATx KVM Extenders are perfect when you need to extend up to HD video and peripheral signals up to 150 m; CATx transmission is also the most cost friendly option

HDMI KVM Extenders

HDMI KVM extenders provide HDMI and USB signal extension over long distances without compromising video quality. These extenders offer low latency or even real-time transmission without delays and compression artefacts that degrades the high-resolution viewing experience. They are ideal for applications such as broadcast, high-end medical imaging, interactive digital signage, home theatres, and even industrial automation.

VGA KVM Extenders

VGA KVM extenders are capable of extending up to 1920×1200 VGA signals over distances of 150 m (CATx) or even farther over fiber connections. Some extenders come with a built-in de-skew option to compensate for skewing effects.

DVI KVM Extenders

DVI KVM extenders are designed to overcome the distance limitation of DVI cabling. Digital KVM extenders are ideal in critical applications where reliable digital image quality and fast switch-over of redundant hardware are required, for example in broadcast playout centers or industrial control rooms.

DisplayPort KVM Extenders

DisplayPort KVM extension technology supports uncompressed transmission of up to 4K60 video signals. This helps to access high-performance graphical workstations and critical video processors from secure and temperature controlled equipment rooms while maintaining the same user desktop experience for editors, 3D artists and control room operators.

If you have any question about KVM extender or want to buy DVI extender, DisplayPort KVM extender, RS232 extender and more KVM extenders, welcome to contact with Smart Cabling & Transmission Corp. for more details!

Article Source: BLACK BOX

Guide of Towel Racks: 6 Main Types of Towel Fixtures

The term towel racks is used both as a generic term for “the thing you hang your towel on” and as a more specific type of towel hanging fixture. Towel fixtures come in six main types:

 

  • Towel Hooks
  • Towel Rings
  • Towel Valets
  • Towel Bars
  • Towel Racks
  • Towel Shelves

 

Most of the towel fixtures are available in chrome, and some have alternative metal finishes such as nickel, pewter, stainless steel, wrought iron, and brass. Most of them can be chosen to match other bathroom fixtures and faucets individually, or form part of a collection.

 

Towel hooks, not always named as such, allow for hanging the towel over a rounded tip of some sort. There are single hooks, double hooks, and hooks that look like open rings on their side, with each prong extending horizontally from the fixture. Towel hooks are useful for hanging towels in a long vertical space. Some manufacturers offer both single and double hook options.

 

Towel rings are not always rings. They may be a nearly perfect circle, be open on one side, or have a flat space on the bottom. Some are in the shape of a rounded rectangle. Some companies specify whether their towel rings are left-handed or right-handed.

 

Tower valets are floor stands with curved bars to hold several towels at about waist height. Similar products also go by the name of towel stand, and countertop models are also available.

 

Standard towel bars feature a single bar with a wall fixture at either end. Hand towel bars may be affixed at only one end, with the other end open so the towel can slide on and off. Alternatively, a hand towel bar may be attached at both ends and have a short bar between, usually the widths of a typical hand towel. Standard towel bars come in some typical widths, including 18” (45.72 cm), 20” (50.8 cm), 24” (60.96 cm), 30” (76.2 cm), and 32” (81.28 cm).

 

Variations include towel bar / towel ring combinations—a single piece featuring a place to hang both a larger towel and a hand towel; as well as towel bars hung below a display shelf. Double towel bars are also available, as are towel rails that are like bars, but only attached to the wall on one side.

 

Towel racks can be used to hang numerous towels or other items to dry, and is the style of towel holder most often used for warming towels. Towel racks may be freestanding or wall mounted. The wall mounted models either have permanent fixtures, or are designed to be attached to an existing towel bar, making it portable. An alternative design is the flat panel heated towel stand, which features more heated surface area for the towels to rest against. Towel heating products generally work by plugging the supplied electrical cord into a standard outlet.

 

Towel shelves, which are wall-mounted and are available with and without towel racks below, are also used both for storage and are also used for towel warming. Certain models may be referred to as towel baskets.

 

If you have requirement of commercial towel racks or other bathroom accessories, I recommend you to visit BeAnUnion Metal Co., Ltd. – they specialize and design various hotel & home accessories. Today, contact with BAU for more details!

 

Article Source: Home Institute

Why Need A Spring Testing? Where to Buy Quality Spring Testing Machines?

Springs are vital components employed in many products we use and rely upon every day, from automobiles to medical devices. Measuring the spring rate, or relationship between force or torque and deflection, is a common requirement to ensure proper functioning in the spring’s intended application.

Spring testing includes: Extension Spring Testing, Compression Spring Testing, and Torsion Spring Testing.

Well, to measure the springs easily and accurately you will need a spring testing machine.

Buying a spring tester, I will recommend you to consider Simco Spring Machinery Company.

Spring Machinery Company was founded in 1980. It has been the major supplier of spring manufacturing machines and peripheral equipment in Taiwan that have enjoyed worldwide distribution for over 20 years.

Below, I show you one of SIMCO spring tester machines:

Spring Testing Machine

SLT-W50I

SIMCO Spring Testing Machine

Features of Spring Tester:

  • The software consists of function modules such as speed control, parameter input, data processing, result observation, record retrieval, chart display & print, data storage.
  • Diversified Testing Methods: Test of residuals height or deformation of spring under preset testing load. Test of testing load under preset height or deformation of spring.
  • Multiple Points Data Auto-Collection: Avoid the impact of spring stress on the testing data; the total testing process is completely automatic.
  • Over load protection and thus keep the load cell free of damage.
  • Powerful data-processing and statistic functions are able to plot stiffness curve, calculate spring segment stiffness, plot the normal distribution curve, and calculate the index of process capability.

If you have interest or requirement of spring testing machines, no hesitation, contact with SIMCO for more specification and details of spring testers.

Simco Spring Machinery Company

6F.-1, No.27, Ln. 61, Sec. 1, Guangfu Rd., Sanchong Dist., New Taipei City 24158, Taiwan

TEL: +886-2-29954088

FAX: +886-2-29994685

E-mail: simco@simcotw.com