Applied Biosystems Group, an Applera Corp. business based in Foster City, Calif., and joint venture partner MDS Sciex, a division of MDS Inc., announced the launch of the Tempo Liquid Chromatography systems. The systems are designed to provide integrated front-end solutions for researchers conducting proteomics, biomarker and drug discovery studies.
CardioMEMS Inc., an Atlanta company focused on the application of MEMS technology to create innovative medical devices, announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration clearance and the U.S. market launch of its EndoSure Wireless AAA Pressure Measurement System.
Cepheid Inc., a Sunnyvale, Calif., maker of systems for genetic analysis, announced the launch of the GeneXpert System into the molecular clinical research field. The initial product for use on the GeneXpert System in this field is a research product for the identification of cells carrying the BCR/ABL chromosomal translocation. The product is part of a broader program directed at investigating its potential use for monitoring patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia. Both the GeneXpert System and the BCR/ABL products will be available for shipment on a research-use-only basis.
 A coated part emerges from an ultraviolet cure manufacturing line operated by Ecology Coatings. Photo courtesy of Ecology Coatings |
Ecology Coatings Inc., an Akron, Ohio, provider of nano-engineered ultraviolet curable coatings, announced that it has developed a new nanomaterial-based coating that adheres to polycarbonates to provide a barrier for moisture, chemical, scratch and abrasion resistance for automotive parts, consumer electronics, flexible displays and other sensitive polycarbonate applications. Ecology said its product’s performance was confirmed at Tekra Corp., a company focused on the development of high-end customized coatings.
FEI Co. of Hillsboro, Ore., announced it has introduced its next-generation Vitrobot, an automated vitrification device for plunge-freezing of aqueous samples. The system maintains the cryo-fixation process at constant and user-definable physical and mechanical conditions, delivering reproducible sample freezing and high throughput. The technique of cryo fixation and imaging of aqueous samples at cryo temperatures in a transmission electron microscope is used in nanobio research and by the chemical and pharmaceutical industries for studying colloidal solutions of polymers, pigments and other nanoparticles. FEI also announced that Ohio State University’s Center for Accelerated Maturation of Materials has become the first North American site to install and begin using its new scanning/transmission electron microscope, the FEI Titan 80-300.
Jenoptik Mikrotechnik GmbH, a Jena, Germany, maker of hot embossing/imprinting tools, announced the introduction of its HEX 04 system. The system is designed to provide the user with flexibility in the high precision molding of polymer parts containing micro and nanoscale features, including those with high aspect ratios. The system was specifically created to provide an effective solution to large volume applications like optical gratings, microfluidic chips and wafer-scale packaging, which require highly automated/high throughput manufacturing.
 NanoOpto’s infrared cutoff filters are now inside camera phones being sold by major manufacturers. Photo courtesy of NanoOpto |
NanoOpto Corp., a Somerset, N.J., maker of optical components using proprietary nanoprocessing techniques, said its infrared cutoff filter is currently inside mobile camera phones being sold to consumers. The filter blocks infrared light from infiltrating the camera lens. NanoOpto is currently shipping the product to two submodule assemblers who integrate the component in a camera assembly that is then sold to camera phone manufacturers.
Owlstone Nanotech Inc., a Cambridge, England, developer of nanotechnology-based chemical detection products, announced a beta testing program with Kidde, the global fire and safety group. Owlstone said its nanofabricated chemical detection system would be tested for suitability in the next generation of Kidde’s safety detection, prevention and protection systems.
 PLUS Vision’s V339 home and business projector is based on Texas Instruments’ MEMS digital light processing engine. Photo courtesy of PLUS |
PLUS Vision Corp. of America, a Beaverton, Ore., maker of projectors, unveiled the V-339, a dual color mode projector based on Texas Instruments’ digital light processing MEMS technology. The 2.8-pound projector is intended for either home or business use. One color mode is intended to enhance the natural color of photographs or DVDs while a second mode increases the crispness required for business presentations.
Polychromix Inc., a Wilmington, Mass., developer of material analysis, chemical sensing and spectroscopy solutions, announced the launch of its MobiLight products, a family of long life, portable light source and probe devices that support a broad range of spectroscopy applications.
PolyFuel Inc., a Mountain View, Calif., developer of fuel cell membranes, announced that its hydrocarbon direct methanol fuel cell membrane has passed the 5,000-hour mark in durability testing.
pSivida Ltd. of Perth, Australia, announced it signed a license with Beijing Med-Pharm Corp. for the clinical development, marketing and distribution of pSivida’s lead product, BrachySil, in China. Under the terms of the license, pSivida will manufacture BrachySil and Beijing Med-Pharm will be responsible for clinical development, securing regulatory approval, marketing and distribution in China.
Singular ID of Singapore is to supply its magnetic protection tags to the Singapore subsidiary of automotive parts manufacturer Sanden International. The tags contain micro- and nanometer-size magnetic components that create a unique magnetic signature. SENSORS
SUSS MicroTec, a Munich, Germany, equipment supplier for MEMS manufacturing and testing, received three purchase orders from leading device manufacturing companies for its production wafer bonder ABC200. The systems are for locations in Europe, North America and Taiwan and are being used for display and automotive applications in direct, triple-stack anodic and thermal compression bonding processes. SUSS also announced that Purdue University has purchased a SUSS SB6e Substrate Bonder and a MA/BA6, Mask/Bond Aligner for use in its Birck Nanotechnology Center.
thinXXS GmbH, a Zweibrucken, Germany, maker of microfluidic and micro-optical components, announced its MDP2205 micro pump. The pump features high back pressure and suction height while its footprint measures only an inch in diameter and a fifth of an inch in height. It is intended for OEM products in areas such as diagnostics, analytics, miniaturized fuel cells, consumer goods or chip cooling.
INSEAD InnovAsia contributed to this report.