Smart coupling for tubing and air lines

Nov. 22, 2006
To err is human, but hooking the wrong gas or fluid line into a piece of equipment can cause serious downtime.

 

And if it is medical equipment keeping a patient alive, consequences are even more severe. To prevent such accidents, Colder Products Co., St. Paul, Minn. (colder.com), added RFID smart-tag technology to tube fittings to create Identiquik SMC connectors. The twist-to-connect couplings are also reportedly more secure than other luer-type connections. And once connected, the coupling lets the tubing rotate, preventing kinking and accidental disconnects. The RFID tag lets users electronically verify the connection is correct.

The connectors are made of chrome-plated brass, acetal, polypropylene, or polycarbonate (which can be gamma sterilized) with acetal valves. They use a steel spring and acetal or polycarbonate locking sleeves. They handle pressures to 100 psi (6.9 bar), and can connect to 1/16-in., 1/8-in., and 3-mm tubing. Couplings are configured as in-line bodies and inserts with valved and nonvalved options.

Sponsored Recommendations

March 31, 2025
Unlike passive products - made of simple carbon springs - the bionic prostheses developed by Revival Bionics are propulsive, equipped with a motor and an artificial Achilles tendon...
March 31, 2025
Electric drives are a key technology for the performance of machines, robots, and power tools. Download this guide for an introduction to high-quality mechatronic drive systems...
March 31, 2025
Discover the world of maxon drive technology: motors, gearheads, sensors, controllers, and accessories. Configure your drive system online, including all relevant product and ...
March 31, 2025
Share current page XSun designs and manufactures a drone that is both energy-independent and can make its own decisions, for fully-automated missions. The company needed reliable...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!