Tube Contact Sensor detects occlusions in medical infusion lines.

Press Release Summary:



Tube contact sensor provides non-invasive detection of pressure changes in flexible, 4-4.7 mm OD x 0.8 mm wall thickness medical-grade silicone rubber tubing. Comprised of MEMS components as well as lid and catch, clip-on sensor is able to detect both negative and positive changes in pressure from -0.5 to +1 bar with accuracy of ±0.05 bar. Included flexi-circuit enables connection via 6-pin, 0.5 mm pitch ZIV connector, and sensor can be mounted in any orientation.



Original Press Release:



Morgan Technical Ceramics Announces New Sensor for Accurate Detection of Pressure in Medical Infusion Lines



Morgan Technical Ceramics has launched a new tube contact sensor for accurate detection of occlusions in medical infusion lines. The sensor gives non-invasive detection of pressure changes in a flexible tube without the requirement for disposable cassettes and as a result provides medical device OEMs with a simple and reliable method of recognizing when the tube is blocked.

The pressure sensor is suitable for use with soft thin-walled tubing and can be clipped on and removed easily. It gives excellent performance and can detect both negative and positive changes in pressure from -0.5 to 1bar with a sensor accuracy of ± 0.05 bar.

This pressure sensor combines MEMS silicone machined technology with a precision machined lid and catch. It is suitable for a 4mm - 4.7mm outside diameter x 0.8mm wall thickness medical grade silicone rubber tubing. The housing geometry has been designed to minimize footprint and it comes with a short flexi- circuit for easy connection via a standard ZIV connector (6 pin 0.5mm pitch).

The sensor can be customized to suit specific OEM requirements, including tube diameter, housing geometry, materials and connector type. It can be mounted in any orientation and can be supplied without lid and catch if an alternative clamping mechanism is desired. The sensors are manufactured in the Morgan Technical Ceramics ElectroCeramics facility in Southampton, UK.

"Accurate detection of pressure is a key safety element for medical equipment such as infusion pumps, enteral feeding pumps, dialysis equipment and other fluid delivery applications," says Richard Miles, R&D manager, Morgan Technical Ceramics. "A pressure change will indicate the line has become blocked or the drug container is empty and needs replacing. Our sensor gives users a straightforward way of detecting blockages and it can be integrated easily upstream or downstream of the pumping mechanism."

Morgan Technical Ceramics has more than 10 years of experience in designing and manufacturing sensors for use in a variety of medical equipment. With its world-class design expertise and specialist manufacturing capabilities, the company works in partnership with leading medical device manufacturers to provide technical expertise and develop competitive custom solutions to meet their needs.

For further information, please contact:

Kristin Nugent, (617) 367-0100, ext. 148

Kristin.nugent@mgr1.com

Lorraine Henry, Tel +44 (0)1299 872217

Email lorraine.henry@morganplc.com

About Morgan Technical Ceramics

Morgan Technical Ceramics manufactures components and sub-assemblies using an extensive range of materials, including structural and piezoelectric ceramics, dielectrics, braze alloys, and specialist coatings. It works with manufacturers' design and R&D teams at the local, national and international level on projects from concept and feasibility studies through prototype development to full production. The business employs some 2,500 people and has 23 manufacturing sites worldwide across Europe, the US, Mexico, China and Australia.

Morgan Technical Ceramics is a business within the Morgan Ceramics Division of The Morgan Crucible Company plc, one of the world's leading advanced materials companies. The company specializes in the design, manufacture and marketing of ceramic and carbon products which are used in a wide range of applications, from transport and telecommunications to fire protection and medical instruments. Morgan Crucible is listed on the London Stock Exchange in the engineering sector.

For more information on Morgan Technical Ceramics visit www.morgantechnicalceramics.com or contact one of our sales offices below:

Europe

Morgan Technical Ceramics, Bewdley Road, Stourport, Worcestershire, DY13 8QR.

Tel +44 (0)1299 872210

Fax +44 (0)1299 872218

Email mtcuksales@morganplc.com

North America

Morgan Technical Ceramics, 26 Madison Road, Fairfield, NJ 07004, USA

Tel +1 800 433 0638

Fax: +1 973 227 7135

Email mtcussales@morganplc.com

Asia

Morgan Technical Ceramics, Dingshu Town, Yixing City 214221, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China

Tel +86 21 59 90 61 39

Fax +86 21 59 90 61 27

Email mtccnsales@morganplc.com

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