Appliance Design - June 2008 - (Page 17)

I Twenty First Annual EID GOLD Awards Medical/Test & Measurement Equipment GOLD The Tono-Pen AVIA™ Applanation Tonometer from Reichert, Inc., Depew, N.Y., and the industrial design firm Metaphase Design Group, St. Louis, Mo. The Tono-Pen AVIA is an easy-to-use portable, handheld instrument that measures intraocular pressure – the fluid pressure inside the eye – to evaluate ocular conditions such as glaucoma. It is an alternative solution to the larger, bulky instruments, and allows the unit to be brought to the patient and used successfully with minimal training. Through intensive user research, the design team explored ways to improve usability and reliability of the device by minimizing human error. Studies on grip postures, user technique and instrument ergonomics resulted in an intuitive design featuring a new size, form and grip architecture. The handle was shortened and optimized for virtually all hand sizes by creating a smooth curve with the center of gravity located in the primary grip zone. The width dimensions were expanded and soft elastomeric co-molding was added for thumb and forefinger placement, minimizing grip forces and increasing stability and comfort. The unit features a stainless steel tip with a bead-blasted finish, a glossy white body finish and a blue elastomeric co-molding. To make it easier to use, two large LCDs were incorporated in the center with visibility from either side to ensure both left and right-handed users can effectively view the results in low-light conditions. Key Players from Metaphase Design Group: Marc Hunter and Brian Bone, ergonomics; Jeff Feng and David Kusch, designers. Supplier: Craig Drager, vice president, R & D, Medtronic XOMED. GOLD 2008 G O LD D Allegro’s Integrated Current Sensing Solutions Low-Noise, Shielded Hall-Effect Current Sensor The Allegro ACS712 is a fully integrated, Hall-effect-based linear current sensor with 2.1 kVRMS voltage isolation and a low resistance current conductor. It offers a non-intrusive means of measuring both high and low-side currents in a variety of applications including circuit protection, motor control, and power monitoring. The ACS712 output voltage is proportional to the current flowing through the conductor internal to the SOIC8 package body. The device also includes an electrostatic shield that covers the active circuit area of the Hall-effect IC. This shield results in a stable voltage output even when measuring the current through inductive loads. Features � � Low noise and high gain offerings (up to 185 mV/A) - Provides excellent low current accuracy Galvanic isolation from primary current path to all other pins Simplifies high-side current sensing designs � � � Low resistance primary current path - Low power loss and reduced ohmic heating High bandwidth and fast response time - Suitable for overcurrent protection applications Integrated electrostatic shield Superior dV/dt transient immunity from primary current path to device output pin www.allegromicro.com/promo389 115 Northeast Cutoff, Worcester, MA 01606 USA � 508.853.5000 High-Performance Power ICs and Hall-Effect Sensors www.applianceDESIGN.com AD06084Allegro.indd 1 For more Information Enter 104 applianceDESIGN 5/13/08 11:43:05 AM June 2008 17 http://www.allegromicro.com/promo389 http://www.allegromicro.com/promo389 http://www.appliancedesign.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Appliance Design - June 2008

Appliance Design - June 2008 Contents Editorial Shipments/Forecasts News Watch 21st Annual Excellence in Design Winning Designs Combine State-of-the-art Technology with . . . Meet the Judges Design Marts Fans & Blowers Mother Nature Has Her Own Ideas About Designing for Fluid Flow . . . Using CFD Simulation Software Early in the Product Development . . . Electronics Digital Signal Controllers Enable Digital Motor Control . . . Classifieds Meetings Advertiser’s Index Association Report: AHRI

Appliance Design - June 2008

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