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Linear Actuator Keeps Medicine Under Lock

August 5, 2009 By Leslie Langnau

Several news stories point out the problem of ensuring hospital patients receive the right medicine in the right dosage. One approach some hospitals are using is to install automated keypad locks on medical supply cabinets and transportable medical storage units. A key component of these locks is a miniature linear actuator. One version is the MLA miniature linear actuator, from PBC Linear. 

pbc-linear-locking-system.jpg
To ensure medicines stay safe, miniature linear actuator smoothly and quietly moves the locking pin in and out of position. 

To maintain control over their stock of medicine, tools, and other delicate devices, medical supply companies may use a linear positioning system small enough to fit into their compact drawers and installed into a keypad lock system. The lock often relies on the linear system’s precise smooth and quiet linear motion to operate the locking pin in and out of position. The linear system replaces a solenoid, which traditionally has been used to operate the locking mechanism. However clinics find solenoids to be inaccurate to reliably and repeatedly perform the necessary tasks.

The MLA measures 28 mm x 32 mm in width and height, with lengths available as short as 190 mm. Its profile is precision machined using the proprietary SIMO™ (Simultaneous Integral Milling Operation) process. In this process, multiple mills work together to machine all the actuator’s critical surfaces simultaneously to ensure accuracy and smooth linear motion. A self-lubricated polymer slider facilitates stable linear guidance.

After installation, the medical clinic reported satisfaction with their locking systems. The compact linear actuator easily fits into the small space, and supplies efficient precision motion to dependably lock and unlock the portable medical cabinets whenever they were needed.

PBC Linear
MLA.pbclinear.com

::Design World::

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  • Home
  • Medical Device Business
    • Mergers & Acquisitions
    • Financial
    • Regulatory
  • Applications
    • Cardiovascular
    • Devices
    • Imaging
    • Implantables
    • Medical Equipment
    • Orthopedic
    • Surgical
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    • Contract Manufacturing
    • Components
    • Electronics
    • Extrusions
    • Materials
    • Motion Control
    • Prototyping
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    • Tubing
  • MedTech Resources
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    • MedTech 100 Index
    • Subscribe to Print Magazine
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    • eBooks
    • Educational Assets
    • Manufacturer Search
    • Podcasts
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