tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19506622482699710082024-03-13T22:25:26.143+00:00Accutronics BlogWelcome to our battery design and development blog!Neil Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09383358275572751074noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950662248269971008.post-34727212015459757652015-12-08T16:13:00.000+00:002016-01-22T11:49:09.686+00:00Accutronics have a new Blog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11630885752497681069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950662248269971008.post-9389656157912214182015-11-17T09:02:00.002+00:002015-11-17T09:02:58.469+00:00HAPPY BIRTHDAY CMX SERIES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We can’t believe it’s been 12 months since the launch of our new energy-dense batteries for Hi-tech portable medical equipment at Compamed 2014, and just how successful the <span style="color: #351c75;"><a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/cmx-series-batteries/" target="_blank">CMX Series</a></span> has been over the past year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The new smart battery range fulfils the needs of manufacturers of high powered medical devices. The CMX series really packs a punch - offering high energy density along with high power discharge. Medical OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) are now able to produce innovative portable devices without compromising on safety and reliability in life-critical applications.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The medical market is a challenging environment, and understandably so. With people's lives on the line it is essential that medical practitioners can rely on their equipment to perform under pressure. The rise in the use of portable devices such as acute ventilators, anaesthesia workstations and intra-oral scanners has left many medical OEMs struggling to keep pace in the market. The CMX Series of batteries and chargers has been designed specifically for medical OEMs following extensive research and discussion with customers and hospitals. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Part of our branded <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/pages/entellion.html" target="_blank">Entellion range</a>, the CMX meets stringent regulations, demanding development schedules and innovation aims, whilst minimising unit costs," explained Neil Oliver, technical marketing manager at Accutronics. “The CMX Series, as with our other Entellion products, bridge the gap between custom and standard batteries and chargers”.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The seven batteries in the CMX range use three different cell types to provide specific performance attributes which are required for the medical device market. Smart features of the CMX series include active and passive protection circuits that prevent over-temperature, over and under-voltage, overload and short circuit. Forming an essential part of its medical device operation, smart power management means the battery only requests charge when needed and shuts down when not being used. Accurate fuel gauging is possible to 1% through an LCD display, further enhancing reliability.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/cmx-series-batteries/" target="_blank">CMX series</a> batteries comply with regulatory certifications necessary for use in medical devices. In terms of safety they meet the requirements of both UL2054 (2nd edition) and IEC62133:2012 (2nd edition), the latter being a mandatory requirement for medical devices being certified to IEC60601-1 (3rd edition). They also meet the requirements of The Transport of Dangerous Goods, Methods of Tests and Criteria, UN ST/SG/AC.10.11 Rev5 Section 38.3 which is a mandatory requirement for the transportation of Lithium ion batteries.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAqoZvTnceI/VkrrAVCldJI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/SRyt7UMc0k8/s1600/CMX%2Bstatement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAqoZvTnceI/VkrrAVCldJI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/SRyt7UMc0k8/s320/CMX%2Bstatement.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hospitals can now perform routine power management checks without having to remove the medical device from service using the smart charger that accompanies the CMX battery. A single charger can be used for different sized batteries, because the two devices automatically communicate exact voltage requirements.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whether batteries or chargers, the Entellion range is available off-the shelf or can be easily customised to meet particular OEM requirements. Options include product labelling and case colours, software setup and SHA-1 algorithmic security, which prevents counterfeit batteries being used under fraudulent warranty claims.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For more information on the CMX Series of batteries & chargers <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/pages/contact.html" target="_blank">contact us today</a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11630885752497681069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950662248269971008.post-2290815623676991782015-11-16T12:06:00.000+00:002015-11-16T12:09:00.620+00:00Going mini at world's biggest medical show<h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mini battery for portable medical devices smaller than credit card</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The doors have now opened at <strong>Compamed</strong> in Düsseldorf, Germany. Co-hosted with <strong>Medica</strong>, Compamed is the world's largest medical technology (MedTech) trade show which runs from November 16-19. This year Accutronics are exhibiting its smallest medical battery and charger the <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/search/results.html?s=cc1150&submit=Search" target="_blank">CC1150 mini credit card battery</a> and <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/search/results.html?s=cc1150&submit=Search" target="_blank">CX3050 desktop charger</a>. These small batteries target the growing demand for portable medical devices used in hospitals and in home healthcare and can be seen on <a href="http://www.compamed-tradefair.com/cipp/md_compamed/custom/pub/show,lang,2/oid,18532/xa_nr,2442555/~/Web-ExhDatasheet/exh_datasheet" target="_blank"><strong>stand H18 in Hall 8b</strong></a><strong>.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The event will see 728 companies from 37 countries come together with over 17,000 trade visitors in medical technology sectors ranging from nanotechnology and test and instrumentation to certification and medical manufacturing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The CC1150 mini credit card battery is a 3.7V, 1.15h (4.2Wh) Lithium-ion 2.0A battery measuring just 54mm square and 9.5mm high, occupying just half the footprint of a standard credit card.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Rare in batteries of this size, the CC1150 also features an active electronic protection system that prevents overcharge, over discharge and short circuit, crucial for hands-on environments such as hospitals. In addition, the built-in, high accuracy, impedance tracking, fuel gauge means the CC1150 can track battery status information including remaining capacity (mAh), remaining runtime, percentage charge, battery voltage (mV) and temperature.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Even though medical devices are getting smaller, battery OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) have been slow to provide devices that pack the same functionality into smaller form factors," explained Neil Oliver, technical marketing manager at Accutronics. "This is why we've developed the CC1150 mini credit card battery and CX3050 charger.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"OEMs can reduce their testing costs and improve return on investment by specifying these units. This range is fully tested to meet the international requirements of IEC62133 and UN38.3 and, because the battery is under 100Wh, further time and costs can be saved during transportation."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The CC1150 mini credit card battery is accompanied by the CX3050, a slimline desktop charger, which allows the battery to be charged separately from the device. "There is a trend among many medical OEMs to use embedded batteries," continued Oliver. "However, for medical devices, it's not always practical to take the entire device to a charging point. For these situations, simply swapping the empty battery for a fully charged one, allows devices to remain in continuous use - this is where our charger really comes into its own."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The CX3050 desktop charger is supplied with a 100-240VAC wall mounted power supply, charging the battery in just 2.5 hours. Built in LEDs indicate power, charging, fully charged and fault conditions. Furthermore, interchangeable AC blades mean the units can be used in the UK, Europe, North America, Australia and China. The CX3050 is also pre-qualified with certification for UL and IEC60950-1 as well as being CE marked. Customers can further customise the casing, labelling and packaging.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Come to meet us on our stand where you can also view many of our custom medical battery and charger solutions (<a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/pages/bespoke.html" target="_blank">Accupro</a>) and other <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/pages/entellion.html" target="_blank">Entellion</a> products and discuss your upcoming projects - <a href="http://www.compamed-tradefair.com/cipp/md_compamed/custom/pub/show,lang,2/oid,18532/xa_nr,2442555/~/Web-ExhDatasheet/exh_datasheet" target="_blank"><strong>Stand H18 in Hall 8b</strong></a> from 16-19 November.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You may also like to visit the <span id="goog_1104504238"></span><a href="http://www.compamed-tradefair.com/cipp/md_compamed/custom/pub/content,oid,21676/lang,2/ticket,g_u_e_s_t/~/COMPAMED_SUPPLIERS_FORUM_by_DeviceMed.html" target="_blank">Suppliers Forum<span id="goog_1104504239"></span></a> in Hall 8b where Neil Oliver will be providing a presentation on <strong>'The Lithium Ion Regulatory Maze'</strong> on <strong>Tuesday 17th November at 13:15 hrs.</strong></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11630885752497681069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950662248269971008.post-54069873687012711802015-10-27T10:29:00.000+00:002015-11-12T14:29:46.384+00:00Medical Technology Q&A<b>Rob Phillips, managing director of professional battery manufacturer Accutronics, has identified several key trends that are emerging in the MedTech sector, from rising energy densities to new innovations such as wireless charging. Below he offers his insights into these trends, where he predicts to see the most market growth in the next twelve months and where Accutronics fits into the industry.</b><br />
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<b>Who are you and what do you do? </b><br />
I'm Rob Phillips, managing director of Accutronics Ltd. Accutronics is a successful independent battery business serving specialist OEM’s in the Medical Device market and similar sectors, specialising in developing and manufacturing high-performance smart battery & charger systems.<br />
We have an excellent portfolio of demanding OEM customers, who enjoy a real competitive advantage from their long-term partnerships with us.<br />
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As well as the medical and healthcare sector, our smart batteries are used in defence and security, as well as industrial test and instrumentation sectors. From small credit-card sized batteries for use in wearable medical devices to intelligent power vaults for use in high-power, high-discharge environments in hospitals, we make them all.<br />
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Some of our technical achievements include class leading protection circuits that prevent batteries from over charging, over discharging and overheating, as well as algorithmic security that prevents fake batteries from being used in life-critical medical applications.<br />
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<b>How would you sum up your company?</b><br />
Accutronics enables forward-thinking MedTech companies to create and deliver the next generation of portable medical devices.<br />
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As a leading battery manufacturer, we're dedicated to helping overcome new challenges including the use of portable devices in extreme environments, as well as improved battery security aimed at eliminating counterfeits. To do this, we've brought together a passionate team of designers, engineers and market specialists to apply their expertise in creating the battery solutions of tomorrow.<br />
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<b>Name a business achievement you are most proud of?</b><br />
Having grown the company from a startup in 2009, during one of the worst recessions in history, Accutronics is now a first-choice partner for some of the world's leading MedTech OEMs. This is something we're really proud of.<br />
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<b>What excites you about this industry?</b><br />
The environment of constant innovation is enthralling. Knowing that all these efforts are aimed at improving people's lives and the quality of their health makes this a very rewarding industry to be in. On top of this, there are real opportunities open to smaller and medium-sized companies to play a significant role in this innovation.<br />
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We've identified several key trends in the MedTech sector: battery energy densities are rising, as more and more equipment is becoming mobile; security is a big concern, especially when it comes to counterfeit batteries; the demand for premium medical devices in the Asian MedTech sector is growing rapidly; new innovations such as fast and wireless charging are on the rise; and finally, the development of antimicrobial polymers and surfaces is providing an extra line of defence against superbugs.<br />
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<b>Where do you predict industry growth will come from over the next 12 months?</b><br />
The BRIC countries, Brazil, Russia, India and China, are widely recognised as being economies with the fastest growing infrastructure in areas such as health service assets, transportation and specifically portable medical devices, which will deliver increased flexibility and value to healthcare users. This is where we expect most of the growth to come from.<br />
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<b>Which medical device do you wish you had invented and why?</b><br />
The plastic syringe, as it's one of the most versatile products. It's more robust and lighter than glass. It's much cheaper to manufacture, there must have been millions manufactured already. Products like the plastic syringe offer a lot of scope for use in the field and are indispensable in places like Africa where the logistics of medical equipment can be very challenging.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950662248269971008.post-20083070937218158422015-10-16T10:00:00.000+01:002015-10-27T10:22:05.756+00:00Which is the right project methodology for you?<b>It seems nowadays that there is a rule, methodology and philosophy for everything. Many of these rules have been around for decades so it raises the obvious question, 'are the old methods still relevant in an age of rapid innovation and uncertainty?' This is especially pertinent for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) where even a small advantage can mean the difference between success and failure. Here Prabhjit Singh, production manager at Accutronics looks at the top methodologies and evaluates how OEMs can choose the best one for them.</b><br />
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Developing a new product is not easy. The process of consultation, design, production, testing, logistics, integration and support can be challenging for even the best OEMs. This is made even more difficult in highly regulated industries such as the medical, security and defence markets. Here, products must not only meet stringent regulations, but also perform in extreme environments, where resistance to temperature fluctuations, humidity and vibration shock is critical. <br />
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When asked how he developed new products, the late CEO of Apple, Steve Jobs, famously quipped that, "it's really hard to design products by focus groups. A lot of times people don't know what they want until you show it to them." This very disruptive approach evidently worked for Apple and means that the company continues to produce some of the most desirable consumer products on the market.<br />
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<b>Methodologies</b><br />
So how does one go about choosing a methodology that offers the best of both worlds, a philosophy that is quick to adapt to change and yet is thorough enough to cater for quality control and planning? First we need to see what's available.<br />
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Project management methodologies can be broadly categorised into two areas, the first group are the traditional formal methods. The main systems include Prince2, Six Sigma, PMBOK (Product Management Body of Knowledge), TQM (Total Quality Management), QFD (Quality Function Deployment) and the Waterfall model. The second group has emerged from this and is known as lean. This includes lean, agile, JIT (Just in Time), TPS (Toyota Production System) and Kanban among others.<br />
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<b>Suit up</b><br />
To sum up, the formal methodologies all prescribe a holistic, start-to-finish, approach to process driven environments where quality of output must be maintained while reducing the variability of each output. Whether its business or manufacturing, formal methods are all about measurable, quantifiable, result oriented outcomes. This includes cost reduction, optimised time management and a deep understanding of inherent risks and benefits of each action.<br />
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While the formal methods are great for large scale, often multinational, projects, they can be difficult to administer. They are usually resource intensive, inflexible and bureaucratic in nature, making them difficult to roll out in smaller projects.<br />
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<b>Going lean</b><br />
At the other end of the spectrum we have the lean methodologies. Popularised by Japanese automotive manufacturers, lean, agile and just-in-time (JIT) systems are all about reducing a process down to its absolute core activities, improving efficiency and reducing wasted resources in the process. Ultimately, lean systems add value by reducing costs and improving delivery times, while maintaining quality.<br />
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However, it's not all plain sailing. One of the biggest criticisms of the lean methods is that the focus on optimising a single activity can often lead to OEMs losing sight of the bigger picture. This scope-creep can mean projects lose direction strategically. As well as this, inaccuracies in lean processes can quickly become magnified across the project and if not managed carefully, a lack of documentation can lead to traceability problems when things go wrong.<br />
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<b>Choose your poison</b><br />
So which is best? Well, in order to establish that, you need to consider three issues; external environment, internal setup and ability to adapt. Take Accutronics, for example. If you look at our external environment, you can see that we operate in many highly regulated, life-critical and extreme environments, designing and manufacturing batteries and chargers for medical and healthcare through to security and defence. For us it's important that we can demonstrate traceability, documentation and thoroughly tested products. At the same time we can only hope to achieve a competitive advantage if we understand the subtle and nuanced demands of our customers.<br />
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In the second and third stages, OEMs must ensure that physical resources, infrastructure and human expertise are leveraged in such a way that they can adapt to market changes quickly and smoothly. Whether it's a change in legislation, a new innovation in materials research or technological obsolescence, you must either adapt or die.<br />
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<b>Plain sailing</b><br />
Knowing and abiding by the rules is one thing, mastering them and using them for competitive advantage, is a whole new ball game. With a willingness to invest time and expertise, OEMs can hope to continuously build successful products and services time and time again.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950662248269971008.post-55433018305129925212015-10-07T11:26:00.000+01:002015-10-07T11:26:36.040+01:00Cyber hacking medical devices<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>A recent presentation of findings at US hacker conference DerbyCon demonstrated that medical cybercrime is on the rise.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Using a specially designed search engine called Shodan, hackers were able to identify vulnerable hospital networks along with all their connected devices including MRI machines, defibrillators and equipment in radiology and paediatric units.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even though 68,000 medical systems have already been exposed, I expect this number will continue to rise. The growing trend in the medical technology (MedTech) industry for more portable and wearable medical devices that make up the Internet of Things (IoT) will render more devices vulnerable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The problem here is that we have so far only been concerned with the cybersecurity and software based protection of our devices. For those OEMs who design, develop or manufacture their own hardware, it's vital to consider a more holistic, hardware based, approach.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last thing you want is for your life-critical medical device to be compromised when it's needed most. Built-in algorithmic security, for example, can detect when a fake battery is used with a host medical device. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Algorithmic security prevents attempts to use counterfeit or copycat batteries, of which there are millions in worldwide circulation that are easily available at the click of a button from grey market sources online. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By ensuring that software and hardware works harmoniously to protect our medical devices, we can prioritise patient safety in the face of increasingly malicious cyber crime.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950662248269971008.post-1613791107160804122015-07-16T14:30:00.000+01:002015-07-16T14:39:27.642+01:00Whitepaper addresses medical battery technology<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>British battery manufacturer <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/?article=31?utm_source=Stone%20Junction&utm_medium=ACC150&utm_campaign=PR" target="_blank">Accutronics</a> is making available for download its latest whitepaper, which tackles the issues facing battery design, development and use in the medical and healthcare field. The intention is that it will help Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) better understand the possibilities and limitations of rechargeable battery technology in designing products for the medical sector.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9WMh0n9OIGM/VaevtaZEiWI/AAAAAAAACm4/4NSZ8HlpVIM/s1600/ACC150%2B-%2BWhitepaper%2Bmedical%2Bdevices%2B-%2BWEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9WMh0n9OIGM/VaevtaZEiWI/AAAAAAAACm4/4NSZ8HlpVIM/s320/ACC150%2B-%2BWhitepaper%2Bmedical%2Bdevices%2B-%2BWEB.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The paper is free to download and aims to inform its readers on three main areas of recent </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">battery design interest. The first is a growing phenomenon dubbed the Apple expectation. It explores the convergence of consumer and professional medical devices and how fitness and health monitoring apps designed by large consumer electronics companies such as Apple and Samsung are impacting on the professional medical industry. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">The second topic looks at digital radiography (DR) and the increasing challenge to design batteries for modern DR applications that still use analogue equipment. This second piece looks at the latest innovations in digital film processing, the essential features of smart batteries, as well as the regulatory and compliance issues of designing, manufacturing and testing medical devices for worldwide distribution. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Finally, the paper discusses the eHealth revolution, a trend that has witnessed an explosion in the use of smartphones, fitness bands and other wearable technology to monitor acute healthcare conditions in an increasingly ageing population. The piece goes on to look at high profile hospital trials of health apps to monitor patient health, as well as the cost savings the NHS can make from earlier cancer diagnosis.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">“We have seen an increasing trend towards smaller, more portable battery solutions in all industries and especially in the medical field,” said Michele Windsor, marketing manager at Accutronics. “With this shift, there has been raised concern about reliable solutions for practitioners in hospitals and other areas where the need for reliable and long-lasting batteries is essential.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">“We want to alleviate concerns about battery solutions and ensure that OEMs are informed about the choices they can make so they will not have to rely on inferior, consumer grade batteries.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">To download the new whitepaper for free go to <a href="http://bit.ly/HealthcareWP">http://bit.ly/HealthcareWP</a></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950662248269971008.post-2956347495057665082015-07-07T10:29:00.000+01:002015-07-07T10:29:54.005+01:00Analogue infrastructure needn’t hold you back<b>Thanks to the digital revolution, technology in both our personal and professional lives is getting smaller and more powerful. For instance, new smart watches have more computing power than the Apollo moon landing space craft! The same applies to medical equipment; hospitals are replacing bulky analogue machines with more svelte, powerful devices. However, the march of digital technology through healthcare facilities is bound by the existing infrastructure, which was developed for analogue solutions, creating unique challenges for battery equipment.</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jwLF9jqOMXE/VZuZGbLwkXI/AAAAAAAACmI/7PohQ_Mywb0/s1600/ACC207%2B-%2BDigital%2Bmedical%2Bequipment%2Bneeds%2Bthinner%2Bbatteries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Analogue infrastructure needn’t hold you back" border="0" height="171" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jwLF9jqOMXE/VZuZGbLwkXI/AAAAAAAACmI/7PohQ_Mywb0/s200/ACC207%2B-%2BDigital%2Bmedical%2Bequipment%2Bneeds%2Bthinner%2Bbatteries.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
At <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/?article=31?utm_source=Stone%20Junction&utm_medium=ACC207&utm_campaign=PR" target="_blank">Accutronics</a> we’re seeing an increase in demand from the medical sector for thinner batteries to be used in new or updated equipment. While advanced technology is a key driver for this, another reason is the fact that original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have to design machines that fit into an analogue legacy system.<br />
<br />
For instance, in new digital x-ray machines there is only 15mm of space for a battery – the space that was set aside for photographic slides in outdated apparatus. This is because hospitals need new devices to fit into the same space as the old ones. So, development of new technology is being shaped by the infrastructure that has been established for low-tech requirements.<br />
<br />
In addition, hospital buildings themselves contribute to space saving needs. While there are modern hospital buildings in the UK, there are also those that were built as far back as the 1800s. Mobile devices and carts have to be designed with manoeuvrability around narrow corridors in mind. Therefore, the components inside modern devices are packed tightly together, leaving no room for large battery packs.<br />
<br />
Retrofitting or retrospectively designing systems like this creates interesting challenges when it comes to providing a suitable battery to meet both size and power requirements. It’s frustrating enough when your smartphone battery can’t keep up with your usage, but in the healthcare field interrupted power supplies can cause serious problems.<br />
<br />
This means that Accutronics often supplies batteries with very thin section walls, as little as 0.8mm, to allow as much space as possible for the cells. Currently, the size of a battery cell can’t be reduced by all that much without losing power, so in very tight spaces you end up having to compromise the capacity of the battery by using fewer cells.<br />
<br />
The key to success is for OEMs to consider the battery earlier in the design process. That’s why Accutronics encourages early engagement for all of its clients. While our bespoke battery solutions can be tailored to almost any situation, the earlier in the design our teams can get involved, the easier it is to ensure optimum performance for requirements.<br />
<br />
Accutronics works with its clients to create truly outstanding battery solutions, which provide tangible end user benefits such as low weight, minimal volume and ease of use. This is often achieved via our <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/pages/bespoke.html?article=31?utm_source=Stone%20Junction&utm_medium=ACC207&utm_campaign=PR" target="_blank">custom battery and charger design and manufacturing service</a>, Accupro, which integrates seamlessly into OEM device development programmes. Some of our batteries even have more advanced control systems than the Apollo 11, which was about <a href="http://www.computerweekly.com/feature/Apollo-11-The-computers-that-put-man-on-the-moon" target="_blank">as complex as a modern toaster</a>. It's just our way of staying ahead of the curve!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950662248269971008.post-34570010008410012292015-06-26T11:57:00.000+01:002015-06-26T11:57:03.078+01:00<h2>
Batteries and medical
device qualification<o:p></o:p></h2>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<em>Rob Phillips, CEO of Accutronics, a leading independent battery design
company servicing the medical sector, provides a brief overview of standards
and design issues relevant to designing in batteries (and associated battery
chargers) for medical devices.</em></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
It’s usually impractical for
companies other than the largest to employ dedicated battery specialists
internally. For many businesses, major battery (and associated charger) designs
occur only every several years. Yet battery and the associated charger
technology is a complex field that requires investment in continual reskilling
in technology, as well as an understanding of multiple standards and
legislation. Keeping internal battery specialists on-hand is often uneconomical
and also, while Medtech designers generally know medical device standards, in
my experience they don’t have the same knowledge of battery or charger standards.</div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
However, whether you engage with a third party battery and
charger specialist or not, project managers responsible for specifying the batteries
in a medical device (and being able to charge them) will benefit from
understanding the basics of the standards involved, and what some of the more
common (and expensive) design issues are, so they can be avoided. Let's examine
a few top line considerations:</div>
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</div>
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Standards – the
fundamentals</h3>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
All electrical and electronic
devices (including batteries and chargers) require certification that they have
been tested against a recognised standard for safety when the product is
subjected to abnormal or abusive operation conditions. Certification to these
safety standards is not a guarantee that the product will continue to function
after being subjected to these conditions, but that the product has been proven
to not cause injury or damage to personnel or property.</div>
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<br />
Certification requires that the
principal safety components (cells, fuses, enclosure materials etc.) have
already been certified to their individual applicable standards. If not, then
certification will be considerably more difficult, take longer to complete and
incur considerable additional qualification testing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
The type of standard required
depends on a variety of factors:</div>
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><br />
<ul>
<li>Type of product</li>
<li><!--[endif]-->Intended use of the product</li>
<li><!--[endif]-->Market that the product is to be sold into (despite harmonised standards, many countries still only recognise their local standards)</li>
<li><!--[endif]-->Timing of the product placement onto the market (standards are revised after a number of years to reflect product and market changes)<o:p> </o:p></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
A fundamental point is that the
battery is tested to an appropriate standard for its relationship to the
medical device, whereas the medical device is tested to an appropriate standard
for its relationship to a patient. The battery is a “component” of the medical
device.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
For the same reason, a
stand-alone battery charger is tested to an appropriate standard for the safe
operation by all personnel as a management tool for the battery, and not tested
as a management device of the patient.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Standards – Some specifics<o:p></o:p></h3>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ultimately, an exhaustive
discussion of standards related to qualifying batteries in medical devices
could fill several very large tomes. For the layman, however, it’s enough to
know roughly which standards might
affect you. For anything more involved than this, you’ll probably need to seek
advice.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The principle battery safety
standard is IEC62133 “Secondary cells and
batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes – Safety
requirements for portable sealed secondary cells”. Certain regions such as
North America, principally recognise a similar standard; UL2054 “Household and Commercial Batteries”.
Taiwan is introducing its own standard (CNS 15364) in 2014.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Although batteries are not
classified as medical devices, it’s not unusual to adopt and test for specific
elements contained of the Medical Device standard; such as drop-testing or EMC
(Electromagnetic compatibility).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lithium, Lithium-Ion, and
Lithium-Polymer batteries are classified in “Class
9 – Miscellaneous dangerous goods.” They have the potential to generate a
significant amount of heat or catch fire if damaged, improperly packaged or
cared for, than do other battery chemistries. In order to be transported, they
must be certified to separate transportation safety test standards, and against
the requirements of Section 38.3 of the United Nations document ST-SG-AC10-11, “Recommendations on the Transport of
Dangerous Goods – Manual of Tests and Criteria”.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Battery chargers are tested
primarily to IEC60950-1 “Information
technology equipment – Safety” (and equivalent UL60950-1). As with
batteries there are a few geographic differences: again, Taiwan is introducing
its own IT safety standard, CNS 14336-1 in 2014.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Medical Electrical Equipment
standard IEC60601 / UL60601, (also EN60601 in the UK), is a suite of separate
tests, each with their own set of documents targeting a specific aspect of a medical
device, such as direct patient intervention, something a battery or charger on
their own, will never encounter.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We work with each customer to
establish the most appropriate certification body, applicable standard(s) and
additional testing suitable for the intended use and the intended geographic
market(s). Customers sometimes ask for unnecessarily high certification
standards (which carry a highly elevated test cost premium) and it has not been
unknown for obsolete standards to be requested when that standard has been
absorbed and refined into a much newer revision.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We recommend that customers
contact us early within the development with their requirements for each
product, so that we can establish what is needed, at that time, for that
product, for their chosen marketplace and application.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
Underspecified / over
specified</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of the other most common
problems battery consultancies see when designing in to medical devices is over
specifying and under specifying.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
The early warning signs that you,
as a designer of the medical device, may have over specified your battery will
be either commercial or physical. Either you will end up surprised by the cost
of the battery required to meet your specified device runtime, or just how
large or heavy the battery needs to be to meet the brief. Generally the
negative effects are down to cost. The latest lightweight battery technology,
with highly accurate fuel gauging and advanced protection systems, all have a
cost attached to them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
We were once required to deliver
a battery to a customer that was able to operate from <span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">-30°C to +70°C. Although this gave them a
superior product to their competition, it drove their costs up significantly.
Competitors could offer a battery at a fraction of the price that worked across
80% of the range, and which was ‘good enough’. If you create a product that can
do everything for everybody, you may sell nothing to anyone, because you will
be overpriced.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
In battery design under
specifying, on the other hand, tends to manifest itself in short runtimes or
short battery lifetimes. Device developers will produce an initial ‘power
budget’ outlining how much power each part of the system, (screen, processor,
etc.) will use. Problems most commonly arise when additional components or
software are added to the device design that increase the necessary power
budget, or when the marketing department insists on a smaller battery, (to fit
a certain form factor or increase mobility).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br />
Under specifying on battery lifetime is worth a special mention: You
need to consider what the total battery life and chargeability of your device
is going to be, not just how much it charges initially, but how consistently it
will charge. Even medical customers focus unduly on ‘out of the box’
performance and high initial capacities, as if they were buying a mobile phone
rather than a high-end medical device. No-one wants to replace the batteries on
a medical device that cost tens of thousands of pounds to purchase. But high
initial capacity and long life rarely go hand-in-hand. Sometimes it pays to
consider lowering initial performance in return for long-term battery lifetime
benefits.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Other common issues<o:p></o:p></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br />
It’s also important for designers
not to back themselves into a corner when it comes to cell selection. This is
another reasonably common issue.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br />
Before 1995 there were a small
number of nickel cadmium and nickel metal hydride cell types, manufactured to IEC
standard dimensions. Life was easier back then. Now there are literally
hundreds of cell sizes and shapes, and you’re by no means guaranteed that a
particular cell will be available in the same dimensions in another five years’
time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br />
In costly medical devices with
operational life cycles of many years it’s important to select cells available
from multiple manufacturers, and allow space inside cases for alternative cells
if required.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br />
Similarly, it can cause problems
down the line if you do not opt for a chemistry-independent charging system.
These so-called ‘smart’ charging systems allow batteries to request their own
specific charging profile. This is useful if higher-capacity batteries or
batteries with different charging profiles become available later.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br />
Lastly, it’s frequently worth
trying to keep your battery rating below 100Wh, where possible. Lithium-Ion
batteries rated at over 100Wh are subject to quite particular transport
restrictions. If you can’t keep battery energy beneath this threshold in your
design, consider the use of multiple batteries where each battery is rated at
under 100Wh.<br />
<o:p></o:p> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Charging forward<o:p> </o:p></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br />
A surprising number of companies
underestimate the extent of the ramifications of battery choices for rest of
their device design. Batteries are often seen as one of the ‘simpler’ parts of
a design, and by many as a ‘commodity’ part. But getting it wrong, or failing
to meet key standards, can lead companies to having to rework their entire
product design.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br />
For all these reasons designers
need to ensure they work with battery experts that take a holistic view of
product design, and can provide expert advice with regards to both the relevant
standards and the wider effect battery considerations will have on your product
design as a whole. Getting the specification nailed down accurately at the
start of the project is key, as is ensuring that you’ve guarded your supply
chain and support provision for the lifetime of your medical device.<br />
<o:p></o:p> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
Neil Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09383358275572751074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950662248269971008.post-46547372994098619262015-05-19T12:06:00.000+01:002015-05-19T12:06:27.296+01:00Going for growth - New chairman to accelerate business development<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/?article=31?utm_source=Stone%20Junction&utm_medium=ACC190&utm_campaign=PR"><span style="line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">International battery manufacturer</span></a>
Accutronics has appointed Steve Lamb as its new chairman. The addition to the
management team will allow the company's managing director, Rob Phillips, to
focus his efforts on new business development.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o8_KK5m65Qc/VVsX-vWqj9I/AAAAAAAAACI/tleG22E_II0/s1600/ACC190%2B-%2BAppointment%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bnew%2Bchairman%2B-%2BWEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o8_KK5m65Qc/VVsX-vWqj9I/AAAAAAAAACI/tleG22E_II0/s320/ACC190%2B-%2BAppointment%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bnew%2Bchairman%2B-%2BWEB.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The new chairman
will have a general management focus, working alongside managing director Rob
Phillips, operations director Mike Allen and financial director Debbie
Hodgetts. Prior to joining the Accutronics board of directors, Lamb built up a highly
credible reputation as MD, CEO and chairman of a number of other companies, and
brings with him an extensive amount of knowledge and expertise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 200%;">Lamb began his
career in manufacturing before moving into the IT sector with the advent of 3D
CAD/CAM systems in the early 1980s. His previous senior roles and directorships
have included positions at software development business ECS, GADC Networks and
on the International Executive Committee of listed European firm GFI
Informatique.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Our primary objective in appointing
Steve is to bring a new dimension to our new business work," explained
Accutronics managing director Rob Phillips. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Among his responsibilities, Steve will
chair the monthly management board-meetings, and once Steve is on board I’ll have
more time to focus on sales and marketing."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Accutronics specialises in developing <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/pages/entellion.html?article=31?utm_source=Stone%20Junction&utm_medium=ACC190&utm_campaign=PR">smart batteries</a> which offer
improved functionality and performance and features such as charge control, accurate
fuel gauging and device communication. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The company targets
specific product application market sectors, including medical and healthcare,
defence and security, industrial and portable electronics markets
worldwide.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The independent battery design, development and manufacturing
expert </span>currently exports its
products to over 30 countries across Europe, North
America, Africa and the Middle East. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The original equipment manufacturers
(OEMs) we work with as customer are chosen to match our capabilities as a potential
strategic supplier," continued Phillips. "With the support of Steve and the rest of
the management team we can strike a better balance between managing the company
and growing the business. Our aim is to successfully enter new markets and
expand our customer base."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950662248269971008.post-50775854645278291682015-05-15T12:08:00.000+01:002015-05-15T12:21:12.706+01:00The next-generation of portable power - Inspired Energy boosts the capacity of its standard smart batteries<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<b style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The industry demand for
longer running, smaller and lighter handheld equipment has prompted USA based battery
manufacturer Inspired Energy to launch the <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/search/results.html?s=hd34&submit=Search?utm_source=Stone%20Junction&utm_medium=%20ACC099&utm_campaign=PR">HD34</a>
range of high capacity Lithium-ion (Li-ion) smart batteries. These batteries use
the latest innovations in cell technology to offer outstanding volumetric and
gravimetric energy density resulting in longer run-times.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jkX3Z_grR-M/VVXTUqaj7FI/AAAAAAAAABw/h57L7Jfk_ag/s1600/ACC099%2B-%2BHD34%2Bbattery%2Brange%2B-%2BIMAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jkX3Z_grR-M/VVXTUqaj7FI/AAAAAAAAABw/h57L7Jfk_ag/s320/ACC099%2B-%2BHD34%2Bbattery%2Brange%2B-%2BIMAGE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The batteries
use the latest Lithium-ion cells with an increased capacity of 3.4Ah to provide
customers with a longer runtime.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“The batteries
use '18650' cells, which are the workhorses of the rechargeable battery world,"
explained Neil Oliver, technical marketing manager at Accutronics, the sole
distributor for Inspired Energy. “Over the last 25 years Lithium-ion technology
has improved and the capacity has steadily increased threefold, resulting in
the latest high capacity 3.4Ah version."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Batteries using
the 3.4Ah cells are available in two, three, four, six and eight cell
configurations covering 7.2V, 10.8V and 14.4V outputs, so original equipment
manufacturers (OEMs) developing new products can be confident in finding a
platform that meets their mechanical and electrical requirements.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A wide variety
of applications make use of the Inspired Energy batteries, including portable
laboratory equipment and medical patient monitoring devices, hand-held data
terminals, unmanned underwater vehicles, professional and broadcast cameras and
satellite communication.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lithium-ion
batteries must be transported as dangerous goods, requiring batteries to be
subjected to testing. The companies offering such products for transport are subject
to strict packaging, labelling and paperwork requirements. Shipping of Inspired
Energy Lithium-ion smart batteries is made easier as they have already been
tested for transport and all have an energy density under 100Wh reducing the
level of paperwork and packaging. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The new 3.4Ah
cells allow batteries and devices to be made smaller and lighter. Some of the
older battery models in the range use twelve 2.2Ah cells to provide 95Wh. When
using 3.4Ah cells it is possible to realise this energy with just eight cells.
This means the batteries can be made around 30% smaller and lighter, a real
benefit to OEMs looking to reduce the size and weight of their devices, while
still providing maximum runtime to users.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inspired Energy
standard smart batteries can be customised to meet the need of the customer,
including changing the artwork to carry own-brand labels<span style="color: #595959; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span>and modifying the smart battery data. <span style="line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Accutronics designs and
manufactures its own range of <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/pages/product-solutions.html?utm_source=Stone%20Junction&utm_medium=%20ACC099&utm_campaign=PR">batteries
and chargers</a>, but is also the sole distributor of the Inspired Energy range
of standard batteries, chargers and accessories.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having
worked with Inspired Energy for over 20 years, Accutronics offers
multi-currency pricing, online purchasing, European stock holding and fast
customer support from its headquarters in the UK. Accutronics technical support
service ensures that customers can design an Inspired Energy battery into their
new device with total confidence. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950662248269971008.post-76951020596636717902015-05-06T15:50:00.000+01:002015-05-29T15:08:11.324+01:00The credit card battery goes mini - Battery specialist launches its smallest ever, sub credit-card sized, battery<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">Global battery manufacturer Accutronics
has launched its smallest ever medical battery and charger set. The </b><b style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">CC1150</b><b style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"> mini credit card battery meets the trend in the
medical and instrumentation sectors for the growing use of <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/credit_card_batteries/cc1150.html">portable
and handheld devices</a>.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RZ1t-Zoe3Gw/VUoqArgm6HI/AAAAAAAAClo/1UUKViOonfY/s1600/ACC189%2B-%2BMini%2BCredit%2BCard%2BBattery%2B-%2BWEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RZ1t-Zoe3Gw/VUoqArgm6HI/AAAAAAAAClo/1UUKViOonfY/s320/ACC189%2B-%2BMini%2BCredit%2BCard%2BBattery%2B-%2BWEB.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having already
built a reputation for delivering the latest in smart battery technology for
the medical sector, Accutronics' new mini credit-card battery, the CC1150,
occupies around half the footprint of a conventional credit card. Measuring in
at 54mm square and 9.5mm high, it fits perfectly into smaller, handheld,
devices with ease.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Featuring a
state of the art impedance tracking fuel gauge, the CC1150 is equipped with an I²C interface, simplifying its
integration into the device. Enhanced circuitry provides further protection
against over charge, over discharge, over current and short circuit.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"OEMs
making handheld devices will be pleased to hear that, with the CC1150 mini, we've
not only halved the size of the standard credit card battery, but we've also
packed it with the same powerful features as its predecessor," explained
Neil Oliver, technical marketing manager at Accutronics. "At the same
time, we've still met the vital IEC 62133 safety requirements for batteries
manufactured for use in portable applications, as well as UN38.3 transportation
regulations.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"To make it
a truly global battery, we've accompanied the CC1150 with a new charger, the
CX3050, which works anywhere in the world thanks to its AC power adapter and
interchangeable blades. For portable and handheld devices, fast charging is
just as important as long battery life, so we designed the CX3050 to charge the
CC1150 in under 2.5 hours," concluded Oliver.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Both the battery
and the <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/credit_card_batteries/cx3050.html">CX3050
charger</a> are available off-the-shelf in black and feature Entellion
branding. Users can request custom colours, labels and packaging.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Launched in 2011,
Accutronics' range of credit card batteries are targeted to meet the needs of
medical and instrumentation original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) who need a
small, off-the-shelf, Lithium-ion smart battery. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Four years after
development, the credit-card range of batteries are now used widely in
applications ranging from industrial laser measurement devices to medical
infusion pumps. Other innovations such as desktop charging have given users the
flexibility to charge batteries outside of their devices.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950662248269971008.post-75616462626127041272015-05-06T15:28:00.000+01:002015-05-06T15:28:23.355+01:00Top five tips for specifying batteries in medical devices<div style="text-align: justify;">
At Accutronics, we work with the world's leading medical device manufacturers to develop class leading batteries and chargers. I am often asked "what should we consider when specifying a new battery? Well here are my top five tips to get you going.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
Tip #1. Select the right chemistry</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are numerous battery technologies to choose from, each with their own specific performance traits. Established chemistry couples such as Nickel Cadmium have now mostly been excluded from the market due to environmental legislation and lead acid batteries are large and heavy making medical devices that use them bulky and cumbersome. Nickel Metal Hydride offers a cost effective solution with higher energy density but issues with heat evolution and a lack of technology investment make it a doubtful choice for the future.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />It is Lithium ion which is proving itself to be the reliable chemistry of choice for new medical devices. ‘Lithium ion’ is the umbrella term for a battery technology that uses the intercalation of Lithium ions between a graphitic anode and a layered oxide cathode. The technology provides high energy density, excellent safety, low self-discharge and outstanding cycle life. Through careful selection of cathode formulation and cell construction a wide range of Lithium ion cells have been developed that provide specific performance attributes, such as high discharge capability or high volumetric energy density. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
Tip #2. Size the battery correctly</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is important that the battery inside a medical device is correctly sized for the job it needs to do. Users that think their battery may not power the device for long enough may suffer from run-time anxiety and refuse to use the device on battery power or never move far away from an AC power outlet. Medical device designers should think carefully about their device’s power budget when running on battery power and then factor in the effect of battery ageing, ambient temperature before deciding on a battery energy rating. If space is at a premium and long run-time is required then hot-swappable batteries may be considered to lengthen the operation of a medical device.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
Tip #3. Specify a ‘smart battery’</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To gain maximum performance from batteries in medical devices they should be made part of the power management system where battery, charger and host device communicate with each other to maximise safety, efficiency and performance. These so called ’smart batteries’ only request charge when they need it, smart batteries charge more efficiently and use less power. Smart batteries maximise the run-time per discharge cycle because they tell their host device when to shut down based on a highly accurate remaining capacity prediction. This method is superior to dumb systems that use a fixed voltage cut-off. Host medical systems that use smart battery technology can provide accurate, meaningful run-time information to users – of vital importance in a medical environment where power failure is not an option.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Smart batteries constantly track their own capacity whether they are being charged, discharged or stored. Their battery fuel gauges use correction factors to adjust for changes in temperature, charge rate and discharge rate together with further modifications as the battery ages. Properly designed and calibrated smart batteries can predict their capacity to within 1% which means that medical device manufacturers can provide users with a device run-time figure they can trust.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
Tip #4. Get certified</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Medical devices that are certified to IEC60601-1 must have their batteries certified to IEC62133 which is a safety standard for portable batteries. If the product is to be sold in the USA then the FDA also recommend batteries are certified to another safety standard - UL2054. For batteries using Lithium ion cell technology then mandatory transportation testing must be performed to provide the battery is safe for transport. A good battery integrator will manage this certification process seamlessly, ensuring worldwide market compliance. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
Tip #5. Ensure it is reliable and safe.</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Without the battery, any portable medical device becomes an expensive liability. It is the battery that is the heart of machine and it must work when needed and never pose a risk to its environment. A good battery integrator will ensure the battery contains ‘nested’ layers of safety that include its cell selection, mechanical design, passive protection and active electronic protection elements.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Battery integrators such as Accutronics that are certified to ISO13485 have the expertise and processes in place to ensure risk assessments, design reviews and performance verification is conducted diligently and thoroughly.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you wish to discuss any of the points raised above or if you want to discuss your plans for a new battery development then please drop me an <a href="mailto:neil.oliver@accutronics.co.uk" target="_blank">email</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Neil Oliver</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Technical Marketing Manager</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Accutronics Ltd</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /> </div>
Neil Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09383358275572751074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950662248269971008.post-88200504010960635572015-04-14T07:54:00.003+01:002015-04-14T07:56:58.840+01:00MCL205-1201 puts 12V on your HipThe new <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/search/results.html?s=mcl205&submit=Search" target="_blank">MCL205-D1201</a> is a polycarbonate belt mountable holster for the 7.2V 84Wh <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/inspired_energy_batteries/nh2057zd29.html">NH2057ZD29</a> battery pack. It allows portable devices to powered for longer from its 12V 60W output which is supplied via a coiled cable terminated in a standard 5.5mm/2.1mm DC plug.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0fMLW1eTFwg/VSy3Z9fPwxI/AAAAAAAAAPE/grrcZ7Iey2I/s1600/IMG_1892X.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0fMLW1eTFwg/VSy3Z9fPwxI/AAAAAAAAAPE/grrcZ7Iey2I/s1600/IMG_1892X.JPG" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The inclusion of an on-board charger with an input voltage range from 10VDC to 24VDC allows the <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/search/results.html?s=mcl205&submit=Search" target="_blank">MCL205-D1201</a> to charge its battery quickly and easily from a number of different power sources. An AC powered desktop power supply with a 24V output is supplied as standard along with a vehicle cigarette adapter.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/search/results.html?s=mcl205&submit=Search" target="_blank">MCL205-1201</a> also includes an integrated USB charge port that can be used to charge phones, tablets and other USB powered devices. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Z1SFiwwkH4/VSy5OTN4ZII/AAAAAAAAAPQ/G5fKh58a1Ys/s1600/IMG_1899X.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Z1SFiwwkH4/VSy5OTN4ZII/AAAAAAAAAPQ/G5fKh58a1Ys/s1600/IMG_1899X.JPG" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The regulated 12VDC output is rated at 60Watts continuous. <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/inspired_energy_batteries/nh2057zd29.html">NH2057ZD29</a> battery packs are sold separately and a soft padded nylon splash proof cover is available as an accessory (part number 906014).</div>
<br />
Three versions are available (each with a different AC power cord)<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/inspired_energy_accessories/mcl205-d1201e.html" target="_blank">MCL205-1201E</a> (Supplied with European Schuko CE 7-7 2-pin AC Plug)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/inspired_energy_accessories/mcl205-d1201a.html" target="_blank">MCL205-1201A</a> (Supplied with American NEMA 6-15-R AC plug)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/inspired_energy_accessories/mcl205-d1201u.html" target="_blank">MCL205-1201U</a> (Supplied with UK BS1363 3 Pin AC Plug)</li>
</ul>
<br />
What is included?<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
(*) A polycarbonate battery holster with a belt clip and an output cable.</div>
<div>
(*) A 65W in-line AC:DC power supply with 24VDC output</div>
<div>
(*) A 6' (~1.8m) AC cable with a European, American or UK plug (see above)</div>
<div>
(*) A cigarette lighter cable for charging the battery from a vehicle.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<a href="mailto:neil.oliver@accutronics.co.uk" target="_blank">Neil Oliver</a></div>
<div>
Technical Marketing Manager</div>
<div>
Accutronics</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Neil Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09383358275572751074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950662248269971008.post-61648047680463722102015-03-30T09:39:00.003+01:002015-03-30T09:39:51.205+01:00CC3800 Credit Card Battery gains IEC62133:2012 CertificationThe <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/pages/entellion.html" target="_blank">Entellion</a> <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/credit_card_batteries/cc3800.html" target="_blank">CC3800</a> Credit Card battery now boasts certification to the latest revision of this safety standard, making it even easier to design into the next generation of portable medical and industrial devices.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CmtREBe6CzE/VRkG-F6PKiI/AAAAAAAAAOw/9vphyCb637k/s1600/CC3800_IEC62133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CmtREBe6CzE/VRkG-F6PKiI/AAAAAAAAAOw/9vphyCb637k/s1600/CC3800_IEC62133.jpg" height="231" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes — Safety requirements for portable sealed secondary cells, and for batteries made from them, for use in portable applications IEC62133:2012" supersedes the 1st edition which was published in 2002 and is mandatory for batteries used in many battery powered devices, from medical equipment to test and measurement equipment.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/credit_card_batteries/cc3800.html" target="_blank">CC3800</a> boasts an impressive array of features making it the ideal choice for medical and industrial OEMs wanting an off the shelf battery solution for handheld electronic products.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li> 3.7V high energy density Lithium Ion technology</li>
<li>Credit card footprint (54.0mm x 85.6mm)</li>
<li>Impedance Tracking fuel gauge with I²C communication</li>
<li>Active protection circuitry (OV, UV, OC, SC)</li>
<li>Redundant passive over-current protection</li>
<li>7 position Tyco connector interface</li>
<li>Tough plastic enclosure</li>
<li>IEC62133:2012 (safety) & UN38.3 (transportation) compliant</li>
<li>CE marked (EMC/ESD compliance)</li>
<li>Also available as a 2300mAh model (9.1mm high <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/credit_card_batteries/cc2300.html" target="_blank">CC2300</a>)</li>
<li>Customisation to labelling, case colour and firmware possible</li>
</ul>
The <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/credit_card_batteries/cc3800.html" target="_blank">CC3800</a> is supported by a dedicated desktop charger - the <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/credit_card_batteries/cx6100.html" target="_blank">CX6100</a> which allows charging outside the host product.<br />
<br />
For more information about the <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/credit_card_batteries/cc3800.html" target="_blank">CC3800</a> please feel free to drop me an <a href="mailto:tech@accutronics.co.uk" target="_blank">email</a><br />
<br />
Neil Oliver<br />
Technical Marketing Manager<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Neil Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09383358275572751074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950662248269971008.post-59029537762537517352015-02-10T09:12:00.001+00:002015-02-10T09:15:08.725+00:0030 second charging: boon or bane?<b>Israeli company StoreDot has developed a new battery that could one day allow a phone to be charged in 30 seconds. It seems too good to be true, so we uncover the technology behind the headlines and explore the long term implications.</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DuLOxGZCaX0/VNnGdjhrWAI/AAAAAAAAABs/2mG32zbljpc/s1600/Batt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Small credit card sized smart battery" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DuLOxGZCaX0/VNnGdjhrWAI/AAAAAAAAABs/2mG32zbljpc/s1600/Batt3.jpg" height="200" title="Accutronics' smallest smart battery - the credit card" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Accutronics' smallest battery</td></tr>
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<b>By Neil Oliver</b><br />
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It's a daily battle; morning, noon or night, come rain or shine, at home or while travelling, it's one of the most annoying daily occurrences. I am of course referring to that moment when your battery dies.<br />
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Well, it seems that this problem may not be around for much longer. Israeli company StoreDot has designed a new biological semiconductor material that has some unique characteristics.<br />
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Developed from naturally occurring compounds these ‘quantum dots’ are made up of peptides; the short chains of amino acids that form the building blocks of all proteins. When manipulated in the right conditions, these peptides can naturally grow into a crystalline formation in a tight, intricate structure, where the molecules are less than two nanometres apart.<br />
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The resultant quantum dot material, exhibits remarkable properties. Its confined nanocrystalline structure means that it can be excited on frequencies in the visible spectrum and, because it’s comprised of semiconductor materials, it is able to hold electrical charge highly efficiently.<br />
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What this means is that the same quantum dot material could eventually be used as the device display, the battery and power unit and the memory and storage module all in one. Just think about that for a second, a single panel material can essentially replace the multiple materials and components of current devices.<br />
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StoreDot has only just scratched the surface of this technology. Their quantum dot battery charges from flat to full in less than 30 seconds. However, using the same material as an internal layer in a flexible casing could yield a paper thin device, flexible enough to wrap around a wrist or be used as surface materials on public transport and even used for fully digital, yet biodegradable, newspapers and books.<br />
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However, it's important to remember that this innovation, whilst potentially revolutionary, must still undergo rigorous testing challenges to ascertain its behaviour in high and low temperatures, its structural integrity under mechanical strain and degradation over time. The cost of production will need to compete with already well established organic materials such as organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) already used widely by device manufacturers.<br />
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So is 30 second charging a boon or a bane? For <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/pages/market.html?article=31?utm_source=Stone%20Junction&utm_medium=ACC139&utm_campaign=PR" target="_blank">original equipment manufacturers</a> (OEMs), this technology highlights the importance of holistic and integrated design. As we continue to become reliant on wearable and portable medical equipment, the need to match innovative design with reliable, safe and secure battery systems becomes ever more important.<br />
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For expert guidance on the best choice of batteries and chargers for your applications please get in touch with <a href="mailto:sales@accutronics.co.uk">sales@accutronics.co.uk</a> for further information.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Newcastle, Staffordshire ST5 7LB, UK53.0328145 -2.255008800000041453.0304275 -2.2600513000000415 53.0352015 -2.2499663000000414tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950662248269971008.post-37357705964392589972015-01-30T09:50:00.001+00:002015-01-30T09:50:47.205+00:00Standing on the precipice looking down <b>Have you seen the film Sliding Doors? In the movie, Gwyneth Paltrow's love life and career hinge on one defining moment; whether or not she catches a train. I recently had my own Sliding Doors moment, that illustrated how design for medical devices can easily go in two very different directions.</b><br />
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<b>by Rob Phillips</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smart batteries for medical devices</td></tr>
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I was recently invited to a supplier day by an OEM, where the plastics, fan motherboard and smart battery providers got together with the design engineers from the client to talk over a new project. I call this type of gathering a precipice meeting; it allows you to work together as a team, standing on the edge of a precipice before the project truly begins.<br />
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In the 'bad old days' suppliers in each of those categories were usually pitted against each other, one manufacturer played off against the other, and the purchasing team would try to pick out good ideas from the various proposals.<br />
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Today, the modern precipice meeting is smarter and more inclusive, allowing suppliers to prove their worth by creating the most functional solution, not simply the cheapest. The purchasing people are partnered more effectively with the designers, which can only be a positive when it comes to the end product.<br />
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<b>Life-critical applications</b><br />
<a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/pages/cmx-series-batteries-and-chargers.html?article=31?utm_source=Stone%20Junction&utm_medium=ACC170&utm_campaign=PR" target="_blank">Medical technology</a> is one of the world’s fastest growing industries and, because medical devices and equipment can be life-critical, they demand designs which are innovative, but also safe and reliable. During the early stage of the design process it's invaluable to share ideas of best practice and discuss the possible pitfalls. The input produced can have a huge impact on the design and its ultimate success.<br />
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Design engineers are clued-up when it comes to their product as a whole, but they can't be expected to be an authority on every component of the design. As <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/pages/about-us.html?article=31?utm_source=Stone%20Junction&utm_medium=ACC170&utm_campaign=PR" target="_blank">battery experts</a> we believe that OEMs should not be shackled by commodity batteries and we relish the chance to align ourselves with creative manufacturers. For us, a huge amount of energy and anticipation goes into every project and it's exciting to play our part in delivering a new generation of medical device.<br />
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<b>Sharing ideas</b><br />
Of course, it requires an element of trust between each of the members of the group, because they share their intellectual property, but the end result is a better environment and product for all involved. It's not just the design engineer who comes away with new ideas, having different manufacturers in the room means that you can all gain insights into areas outside your sphere of activity.<br />
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Precipice meetings are true Sliding Doors moments. They are an opportunity to test a project and fix the potential problems a long time before manufacturing begins. I'm sure Gwyneth Paltrow and the rest of the team behind the movie would approve.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Newcastle, Staffordshire ST5 7LB, UK53.0328145 -2.255008800000041453.0304275 -2.2600513000000415 53.0352015 -2.2499663000000414tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950662248269971008.post-16443447994804943512015-01-20T10:17:00.000+00:002015-01-20T10:17:10.419+00:00Lifespan and the Apple expectation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Apple has applied for a patent to build a docking station to charge devices like the iPhone and iPad, which will retract the connector when the "iDevice" is being removed, to prevent damage to both the dock and the item. </b><br />
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<b>By Neil Oliver </b><br />
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The move illustrates a trend in the consumer IT environment for improved reliability and increased robustness. However, that trend has been evident in industry for decades. But it isn't necessarily a good thing for the two concepts to become intertwined.<br />
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The expectations we should have of a <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/pages/medical.html?article=31?utm_source=Stone%20Junction&utm_medium=ACC146&utm_campaign=PR" target="_blank">battery for a professional medical application</a>, for instance, would - in a world where the battery or charger is optimised for performance - be very different to those we might have in a consumer environment.<br />
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For instance, a medical professional might see the embedded battery in an iPhone or an iPad and be impressed by the sleek, seamless design it provides. As a result, they may well expect the power source in their professional devices to also be embedded.<br />
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However, in a medical device, with a product life cycle of ten to fifteen years, an embedded battery would be impractical. Over that kind of lifespan, the battery would have to be replaced five or six times, which would be impractical and costly. In a consumer device like an iPhone, the entire product is likely to have been replaced before the battery fails.<br />
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<b>Size requirements </b><br />
Just as the aesthetics of an embedded battery might seem attractive at first glance, attempting to reduce the size requirement of a battery by embedding it might also seem like a good idea. This would remove the need for battery housing, thus reducing the space requirement.<br />
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However, this can only really be a workable option in a disposable or very short lifespan medical device. In more typical applications, where the device costs tens of thousands of pounds and lasts for more than a decade, it isn't practical for the same reason. A removable, rechargeable battery is the only workable option from a cost and reliability perspective.<br />
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<b>Battery lifespan</b><br />
Battery lifespan can also be a radically different requirement depending on the medical application. In some instances, replacing the battery every year is fine and also what the user expects - from both a practical and financial perspective.<br />
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However, if a battery designed for a frequently used application is only capable of 300 cycles, which is to say 300 full charges and 300 full discharges, it would be unlikely to last for even one year. The feedback that most of our OEM partners receive from hospitals is that they expect the battery to last for two to three years.<br />
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Most phone batteries will have a lifespan of around 300 cycles. This means that, after a year or two, the user will need to replace the battery or the device. As a manufacturer of batteries for professional applications, it’s crucial to understand the expectation this creates; otherwise you can very easily expose your OEM partner to criticism from the end user. Normally this means advising the OEM to change the expectation of its user community, compromise the power budget in some way or adapt the device itself.<br />
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Often, in this situation it is the power budget and thus the battery’s lifetime that suffers. It’s very difficult for an OEM to double the size or weight of a device, to allow for a larger power source for instance, and a good battery manufacturer will understand that.<br />
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The irony is that because manufacturers focus on the most obvious demands from the end user, the actual needs of this end user may not get enough consideration. The organisation that has to change the battery every year, and pay for that change, may have been willing to suffer a slight increase in size, in exchange for improved functionality and reduced operating expenditure.<br />
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Once an end user such as a hospital, considers the realities of increased cost and maintenance, they may well be very happy for the device to lack the product design brilliance of an iPad, but provide lower maintenance and replacements costs.<br />
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Nevertheless, from a personal point of view, I will be the first person to snap up the new i-Device charging and docking station. Like many people in the electronics industry, I'm a technology fan and find both the patent and the product interesting. However, I won’t be changing my view regarding the needs of professional battery applications as a result. <br />
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Read more about Accutronics’ work in <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/pages/medical.html?article=31?utm_source=Stone%20Junction&utm_medium=ACC146&utm_campaign=PR" target="_blank">professional medical battery applications here</a>.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Loomer Road Industrial Estate, 1 Turner Crescent, Newcastle, Staffordshire ST5 7JZ, UK53.0337671 -2.250928499999986333.1460781 -43.559522499999986 72.9214561 39.057665500000013tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950662248269971008.post-12692263257777727402015-01-19T11:45:00.000+00:002015-01-19T15:34:34.417+00:00Charging ahead in innovation<b>~Accutronics celebrates a year of innovation at America's largest medical technology show~</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--lHnEXO6J3M/VLzs-D96G9I/AAAAAAAAAXg/9DAuz1SsluQ/s1600/ACC180%2B-%2BMD%26M%2BWest%2Bpreview%2B-%2BWEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Batteries for medical devices" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--lHnEXO6J3M/VLzs-D96G9I/AAAAAAAAAXg/9DAuz1SsluQ/s1600/ACC180%2B-%2BMD%26M%2BWest%2Bpreview%2B-%2BWEB.jpg" height="123" title="Batteries for medical devices" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smart batteries for medical devices</td></tr>
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<b><a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/pages/cmx-series-batteries-and-chargers.html?article=31?utm_source=Stone%20Junction&utm_medium=ACC180&utm_campaign=PR" target="_blank">International battery manufacturer</a> Accutronics will join thousands of medical industry suppliers and </b><br />
<b>service providers at MD&M West, on February 10-12, 2015 in Anaheim, California, where the British company will showcase the latest products from its Entellion range. Accutronics can be found in Hall E at Booth 412.</b><br />
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The theme of the 2015 conference is a celebration of 30 years of medtech innovation, and this year British manufacturer Accutronics has proven it is more than up for the challenge. During 2014, the independent battery expert launched two new products to add to its range of smart portable power products, both of which will be exhibited at the event.<br />
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Most recently, Accutronics introduced the CMX Series, a range of innovative smart batteries and chargers. With the increase in the use of portable medical devices, such as acute ventilators and anaesthesia workstations, the new smart battery fulfils the needs of manufacturers of high powered medical devices.<br />
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During the summer the company also introduced the <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/pages/credit-card-batteries.html?utm_source=Stone%20Junction&utm_medium=ACC180&utm_campaign=PR" target="_blank">CX6100</a>, an innovative desktop charger for its groundbreaking credit card battery range. The new charger has a rapid charge capability and can be used around the world, thanks to its wall mounted power supply. The credit card battery range provides OEMs with a rechargeable range of Lithium Ion professional batteries for portable and wearable medical devices.<br />
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"The medical market is a challenging environment and there's a constant demand on medical OEMs to produce innovative portable devices," explained Rob Phillips, managing director of Accutronics.<br />
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"Thanks to our understanding of the market requirements we've been able to develop a range that meets the need for high energy density and high power discharge, without compromising on safety and reliability in life-critical applications."<br />
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At the event, the Accutronics team will showcase its skills in the design, development and manufacturing of medical batteries and smart chargers. On display will be the complete Entellion range of products which bridge the gap between standard off-the-shelf products and a custom design with inherent development fees, saving customers time and money. The range can easily be customised with options including product labelling and case colours, software setup and SHA-1 algorithmic security, which prevents counterfeit batteries being used under fraudulent warranty claims.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Newcastle, Staffordshire ST5 7LB, UK53.0328145 -2.255008800000041453.0304275 -2.2600513000000415 53.0352015 -2.2499663000000414tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950662248269971008.post-62393985616343541502014-12-09T16:05:00.001+00:002014-12-09T16:05:52.752+00:00Going global<a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/?article=31?utm_source=Stone%20Junction&utm_medium=ACC167&utm_campaign=PR" target="_blank">Accutronics</a> is a UK developer and manufacturer of <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/pages/entellion.html?article=31?utm_source=Stone%20Junction&utm_medium=ACC167&utm_campaign=PR" target="_blank">custom rechargeable batteries</a> for professional applications. The business runs a global operation from its HQ and manufacturing facility, near to the city of Stoke-on-Trent in the West Midlands. Set up in September 2009, Accutronics has around 80 employees and its battery products are exported to over 30 countries across Europe, North America, Africa and the Middle East. Rob Phillips, managing director of Accutronics, offers advice to companies considering exportation.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob Phillips discusses custom rechargeable batteries at Compamed</td></tr>
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Exporting enables us to reach the majority of our potential customers, the vast majority of whom are not based in the UK, rather than limiting our business to our own backyard. We target specific product application market sectors, such as Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of portable medical devices, chosen to match our capabilities as a potential strategic supplier. We then research who these companies are and where they are based.<br />
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For any business considering exporting, my advice is to think big and look into it properly and personally. The worst that can happen is that you end up with a wiser, wider perspective on your business sector and decide in a well-informed way not to proceed. More likely, you will open up much greater potential growth for your business.<br />
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Carry out desk research, but then travel and investigate your potential future markets directly. Industry events, such as conferences and exhibitions, are a great opportunity for further research.<br />
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In November we exhibited at Compamed in Dusseldorf, Germany, a leading trade fair for the medical industry which hosts 700 exhibitors from 40 countries, and runs alongside the huge Medica exhibition on the same trade fair site.<br />
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For UK firms active in the medical equipment market, the sheer size and scope of this event is in a different ball park to UK-based trade fairs. Quite simply it needs to be experienced to be believed. I'd suggest attending an event like this and assessing whether you want to invest in an exhibition booth next time.<br />
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Depending on your sector, there may be some potential barriers, but if you have a good product or service that you believe in, then in our experience buyers are very interested in giving you a chance, regardless of your HQ location. In our industry sector, we successfully export to over 30 countries without using agents, distributors or any other export partners. Today, export makes up 95% of Accutronics’ sales turnover.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950662248269971008.post-136858797179649192014-12-04T16:03:00.003+00:002014-12-04T16:03:54.502+00:00Accutronics €100,000 Test Equipment Investment
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Accutronics has further reinforced its battery test
facility capability with the recent installation of over €100,000 worth of new
test equipment from the US based equipment manufacturer MACCOR. The
introduction of the new equipment allows Accutronics to further accelerate
development of higher voltage and higher power smart batteries such as its new
'CMX series', launched in November 2014. "This new equipment allows us to
monitor every aspect of a battery's performance" said Carl Banks, product support
engineer at Accutronics, "we are able to rapidly test multiple charge and
discharge scenarios and pass the data to our customers quickly, shortening
development time and reducing costs".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The new MACCOR system is able to charge smart batteries
at the voltage and current requested by the smart battery itself, which can
then be discharged at up to 600W, usually based on a profile which replicates
the customers application and therefore ensures the battery is being tested in
a way which matches how the customer will use the battery.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Accutronics <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/pages/cmx-series-batteries-and-chargers.html" target="_blank">CMX series</a> of seven batteries and three
chargers have been specifically designed to power the next generation of
medical devices - they are available with an option of 14.4V or 28.8V output
and in three different mechanical configurations, discharge rates of up to 300W
are possible. Each CMX series battery contains sophisticated fuel gauging
electronics which constantly monitor the available capacity of the battery
whether it is being charged, discharged or stored. This capacity information is
relayed to the host device as either a capacity measurement or as a runtime
prediction. In addition, <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/pages/cmx-series-batteries-and-chargers.html" target="_blank">CMX series</a> batteries contain active protection
circuitry to prevent them from being over charged, over discharged or over loaded
- this enhanced level of protection ensures <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/pages/cmx-series-batteries-and-chargers.html" target="_blank">CMX series</a> batteries remain safe if
abused.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"Accutronics is committed to investing in the very
latest test equipment" said Mike Allen, Technical Director. "The
purchase of the MACCOR is the most recent manifestation of that commitment and
will ensure Accutronics continues to lead the market in battery design and
manufacturer."</span></div>
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<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Neil Oliver</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Technical Marketing Manager<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Neil Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09383358275572751074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950662248269971008.post-67115074540173537762014-11-20T08:44:00.001+00:002014-11-20T08:44:37.066+00:00Charging ahead with medical devices<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>~ Hi-tech medical equipment goes portable with new energy-dense battery ~</b><br />
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<b>Independent battery design, development and manufacturing expert <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/?article=31?utm_source=Stone%20Junction&utm_medium=ACC149&utm_campaign=PR">Accutronics</a> has launched a new smart battery that fulfils the needs of manufacturers of high powered medical devices. The CMX series packs a punch - offering high energy density along with high power discharge. Medical OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) can now produce innovative portable devices without compromising on safety and reliability in life-critical applications.</b><br />
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The medical market is a challenging environment, and understandably so. With people's lives on the line it is essential that medical practitioners can rely on their equipment to perform under pressure. The rise in the use of portable devices such as acute ventilators, anaesthesia workstations and intra-oral scanners over the last twelve months has left many medical OEMs struggling to keep pace in the market.<br />
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“Part of our branded <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/pages/entellion.html?article=31?utm_source=Stone%20Junction&utm_medium=ACC149&utm_campaign=PR">Entellion range</a>, the CMX meets stringent regulations, demanding development schedules and innovation aims, whilst minimising unit costs," explained Neil Oliver, technical marketing manager at Accutronics.<br />
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The battery is available in three versions, using eight, twelve or sixteen '18650' sized cells, with continuous discharge rates of up to 300W. Two voltage platforms are used; 28.8V, which operates between 20.0V and 33.6V and 14.4V, which operates between 10.0V and 16.8V.<br />
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Smart features of the CMX series include active and passive protection circuits that prevent over-temperature, over and under-voltage, overload and short circuit.<br />
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Forming an essential part of its medical device operation, smart power management means the battery only requests charge when needed and shuts down when not being used. Accurate fuel gauging is possible to 1% through an LCD display, further enhancing reliability.<br />
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The new battery complies with the relevant transport regulation, which exists to eliminate the risk of explosion associated with the transport of such energy dense cargo. The CMX series complies with transportation (UN 38.3) and safety (UL2054 2nd ed. and IEC61233:2012) as well as electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) regulations (CE and FCC).<br />
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The range charges between zero and +40 degrees, discharges between -10 and +50 degrees and can be stored between -20 and +60 degrees. This results in 500 cycles of 80% minimum rated capacity.<br />
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Hospitals can now perform routine power management checks without having to remove the medical device from service using the smart charger that accompanies the CMX battery. A single charger can be used for different sized batteries, because the two devices automatically communicate exact voltage requirements.<br />
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For customer convenience, two chargers are available to accompany the CMX series, an internal single channel charger and an external dual bay desktop charger, which can also be used for battery calibration.<br />
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Whether batteries or chargers, the Entellion range is made to be customised. Options include product labelling and case colours, software setup and SHA-1 algorithmic security, which prevents counterfeit batteries being used under fraudulent warranty claims.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Newcastle, Staffordshire ST5 7LB, Reino Unido53.0328145 -2.255008800000041453.0304275 -2.2600513000000415 53.0352015 -2.2499663000000414tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950662248269971008.post-9907044018685956072014-11-14T12:29:00.003+00:002014-11-14T12:29:56.968+00:00Trends in Medical Technology 2015<div style="text-align: right;">
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<b>Medical technology (MedTech) is one of the world’s fastest growing industries and the latest and most exciting innovations are currently being explored at COMPAMED, the international medical trade show running from 12-14 November in Dusseldorf, Germany. </b><br />
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<b>By Michele Windsor</b><br />
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We launched our latest <a href="http://bit.ly/1zoxGYC">smart-battery</a> range at the trade show, providing a versatile solution to the demand for portable medical devices. Here, we explore a few of the latest trends, live from COMPAMED, for the next generation of medical devices.<br />
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<b>1. Power and energy requirements on the rise for portable battery-powered MedTech devices</b><br />
The last decade has borne witness to rapid innovation in the medical market. Devices have become smaller and as a result, smarter and more intricate components are increasingly in demand. However, there is now an increased demand for mobile technology used in hospitals and in the field, including acute ventilators, portable anaesthesia workstations and intra-oral scanners.<br />
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2015 will see a trend for portable, battery-powered medical devices delivering high power discharge from batteries with high energy densities used in mobile hospital setups and emergency services use.<br />
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<b>2. Security in MedTech is a concern for OEMs' brands and reputations</b><br />
Copycat batteries are now available at the click of a button. These, often grey market and sometimes outright illegally produced, knockoffs are now spreading via improved logistics and global supply chain networks. The problem is that copycat batteries often mimic big name brands but lack the certification, testing and even vital circuitry that protects lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries from unpredictable failure, overheating and potentially exploding.<br />
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Battery original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) as well as consumer brands including Nokia and Kodak have already taken action to protect their lucrative aftermarket from reputational damage by introducing security measures such as hologram labels and traceable invisible ink markings on devices.<br />
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2015 will see companies push further into securing their products. Accutronics has already made headway into improved security by making available a hardware-embedded software algorithm (SHA-1) which can identify and isolate fake batteries, stopping them from being used in critical-care devices. This also provides better batch traceability and deters fraudulent warranty claims.<br />
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<b>3. Western OEMs competing to win market share of premium MedTech in Asia</b><br />
Until now, the western world has dominated medical technology, with the majority of intellectual property belonging to European and North American companies. Lately there has been a power shift in the MedTech industry and the Asian market, specifically China, is booming, with growth expected to continue over the next few years.<br />
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Thanks to a growing Chinese middle class there are hundreds of millions of new patients, creating a significant demand for high tech devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators and insulin pumps.<br />
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2015 will see the trend for European and North American MedTech OEMs begin to establish a more permanent presence in Asian and Far Eastern economies to secure and win market share of the premium industry sector.<br />
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<b>4. Fringe technologies will start to be used in MedTech</b><br />
Having already gained traction in the consumer electronics sector, wireless, or inductive charging, to give it its full name, will begin trials in many MedTech devices in 2015. One of the vulnerable areas of rechargeable medical devices to date has been the connection made between the charging port and the mains AC power supply. This can be a source of ingress for dust and water as well as being a haven for bacterial growth.<br />
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2015 will see more medical OEMs explore the use of inductive charging to improve device IP (ingress protection) ratings. Introducing fully enclosed and waterproof designs will make it possible to sterilise devices in high pressure hospital autoclaves. The resultant lack of user-serviceable parts will further elongate device lifecycles by the implementation of a return-to-base repair strategy being adopted widely.<br />
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<b>5. Anti-microbial surfaces provide an extra line of defence against superbugs</b><br />
A World Health Organisation report released in April 2014 states that, "this serious threat is no longer a prediction for the future; it is happening right now in every region of the world and has the potential to affect anyone, of any age, in any country. Antibiotic resistance–when bacteria change so antibiotics no longer work in people who need them to treat infections–is now a major threat to public health."<br />
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2015 will see OEMs begin to widely consider the role of antimicrobial polymers and coatings for use in device mouldings, casings and on touchable surfaces to minimise the spread of superbugs such as MRSA and other multidrug resistant (MDR) microorganisms.<br />
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Visitors to COMPAMED can view and discuss Accutronics' new product range in Hall 8b Stand F30. We look forward to seeing you.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com020 Loomer Road, Newcastle, Staffordshire ST5 7JT, UK53.035010199999988 -2.250161400000024533.147320199999989 -43.558755400000024 72.92270019999998 39.058432599999975tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950662248269971008.post-53028209638667463802014-11-06T10:53:00.001+00:002014-11-07T09:48:01.213+00:00Trust me, I'm a medical device<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>There is a growing debate surrounding the rise in <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/pages/entellion.html?article=31?utm_source=Stone%20Junction&utm_medium=ACC160&utm_campaign=PR">mobile medical devices</a>. The concern is that the increased reliance on electronic devices to monitor and treat our health becomes dangerous if those very devices become unsafe or unreliable to use. Here, we explore the security and safety of batteries used in our critical medical equipment going forward. </b><br />
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Medical devices are moving from the once fixed sanctuaries of hospital wards and wandering out into our portable world. The abundance of WiFi, the interconnectivity of electronics and remote information exchange has given rise to the increased portability of the critical <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/pages/latest-news-development.html?article=35">devices that monitor our health</a> and provide doctors and paramedics with the tools necessary in delivering flexible and customisable treatment.<br />
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However, this rise in portability has created numerous security challenges. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last month pushed for improved cyber security when it issued guidelines aimed at helping medical device manufacturers manage cyber security risks as well as "maintain medical device functionality and safety".<br />
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The <a href="http://www.fda.gov/downloads/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/GuidanceDocuments/UCM356190.pdf">guidelines </a>will decrease the number of incidents of medical devices being hacked, putting the life of patients in jeopardy. Controversies, such as the one reported by former US Vice President Dick Cheney who, fearing assassination, told doctors to turn off the wireless functionality of his pacemaker after it was found that it could be wirelessly hacked, will be avoided.<br />
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However, the problem of security is not limited to the wireless capability of devices. A lack of hardware based encryption has already caused widespread concern over the reliability of batteries used in such equipment.<br />
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The fact that portable medical devices have to be designed to operate without mains electricity/AC power access necessitates the use of reliable and safe backup-power management systems. Devices such as acute ventilators, portable anaesthesia workstations and intra-oral scanners all need continuous and safe power to protect patient health.<br />
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Battery counterfeiting is a problem faced by the medical industry on a scale never before witnessed in the sector. The ready availability of grey market, untested copycat batteries using inferior components means that many life-critical devices used in our hospitals and medical establishments are becoming unreliable and unsafe to use.<br />
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Here at Accutronics, we've worked hard to tackle this problem and will be launching a new CMX series of smart batteries and chargers this November. The new range incorporates some innovative features that include SHA-1 hardware encryption, to prevent fake batteries being used with the host device, active and passive protection circuits, accurate fuel gauging, smart charge control and device-to-host communication.<br />
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The new batteries can be transported, stored and used safely, without overcharging, over discharging, overloading and short-circuiting. Thermal sensing on the battery triggers alarms if it is too hot; removing it from the circuit if the operating temperature exceeds safe levels.<br />
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Smart power management is what makes the CMX range stand out. Whereas other dumb systems that use a fixed-voltage cut off to prevent over-discharge, the intelligent system in the CMX maximises runtime per discharge cycle by telling the host device when to shut down based on highly accurate remaining-capacity prediction.<br />
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Visitors to <a href="http://www.compamed-tradefair.com/cipp/md_compamed/custom/pub/show,lang,2/oid,18532/xa_nr,2396483/~/Web-ExhDatasheet/exh_datasheet">COMPAMED</a> can find out more about how the CMX range will revolutionise the mobile medical market at Accutronics' product launch press conference. The event will be held at 3pm on the 12th of November, 2014 in room 801a off hall 8b at COMPAMED. If you're interested in attending, you can register for free by calling 01785 225416 today.<br />
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If you’re unable to make it to Compamed we will also be launching and displaying the new CMX series at ELECTRONICA in Munich between 11th & 14th November in Hall B2 Stand Booth 454.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Newcastle, Staffordshire ST5 7LB, Reino Unido53.0328145 -2.255008800000041453.0304275 -2.2600513000000415 53.0352015 -2.2499663000000414tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950662248269971008.post-56180837795844992042014-10-31T11:03:00.001+00:002014-10-31T11:37:25.491+00:00High-five for high-power<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Tackling the rise in demand for <a href="http://www.accutronics.co.uk/pages/entellion.html?article=31?utm_source=Stone%20Junction&utm_medium=ACC155&utm_campaign=PR">portable medical devices</a> delivering high-rate power discharge, battery specialist Accutronics will be launching a new CMX range on 12 November, 2014 at COMPAMED, the international medical trade show held in Dusseldorf, Germany. In anticipation of the launch, we explore the world of portable power.</b><br />
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Speed is of the essence in life-critical applications. Usually, ambulance crews will transport heart-attack patients to the hospital's emergency ward as soon as possible. However, a leading UK Accident & Emergency doctor <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/treat-heart-attack-patients-at-the-scene-says-top-doctor-9751659.html">recently called</a> for patients to be treated by paramedics until their heart starts beating or they die.<br />
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Writing in the British Medical Journal, Dr Benger says that it, "may be actively harmful" to rush cardiac arrest patients to hospital. Because there is only a short time-window of around 50 minutes before permanent brain damage sets in, it is vital that treatment is provided quickly and effectively.<br />
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The last few years have seen an increased demand in mobile technology used in hospitals and in the field. Specialised stroke emergency mobile (STEMO) ambulances fitted with portable CT scanners cut the alarm-to-treatment period to just 25 minutes. Acute ventilators, portable anaesthesia workstations and intra-oral scanners are other examples of medical equipment breaking free from the traditional mains power supply.<br />
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However, the challenge with these devices is the high-rate power delivery required to operate reliably. The recent Ebola outbreak in West Africa has highlighted the challenge of transporting patients from one part of the world to another. Medical equipment used in the transport of patients must be capable of operating with limited resource for electricity, water and compressed gas.<br />
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On September 4, 2014, in response to the Ebola outbreak, the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued guidelines for medical equipment donated for use in the field. The guidelines reinforce the necessity for devices to use high-quality backup power, with current stabilisation, surge protection and uninterrupted power supplies to protect against blackouts and unsustainable mains power.<br />
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To overcome these problems, here at Accutronics we've developed a new CMX smart-battery range specifically for high-power applications. Capable of accurate fuel gauging, built to international regulatory standards (IEC62133, UL2054) and offering device-to-host communication for continuous swappable power, the new range will be especially useful in the increasingly dynamic nature of modern hospital care.<br />
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Visitors to <a href="http://www.compamed-tradefair.com/cipp/md_compamed/custom/pub/show,lang,2/oid,18532/xa_nr,2396483/~/Web-ExhDatasheet/exh_datasheet">COMPAMED</a> can find out more about how the CMX range will revolutionise the mobile medical market at Accutronics' product launch press conference. The event will be held at 3pm on the 12th of November, 2014 in room 801a off hall 8b at COMPAMED. Alternatively you can view and discuss the new product range in Hall 8b Stand F30 where Accutronics will be exhibiting. If you're interested in attending, you can register for free by calling 01785 225416 today.<br />
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If you’re unable to make it to COMPAMED, we will also be launching and displaying the new CMX series at ELECTRONICA in Munich between 11th and 14th November in Hall B2 Stand Booth 454.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Newcastle, Staffordshire ST5 7LB, Reino Unido53.0328145 -2.255008800000041453.0304275 -2.2600513000000415 53.0352015 -2.2499663000000414