In the Spotlight October 2007

Light source provides versatility

Carl Zeiss MicroImaging (Thornwood, NY) recently introduced its "Colibri" light-emitting diode (LED) light source for fluorescence microscopy. The product is "the only LED light source optimized for white-field microscopy systems," says Becky Homan, product manager for biomedical light microscopy. The light source enables the sequential and simultaneous activation of LEDs. Users can change the LEDs' output signals by varying their voltages. They also can incorporate a conventional white light source to complement the LEDs. These features allow the light source to provide ultraviolet to dark red wavelengths.

Colibri light source (Carl Zeiss MicroImaging)

Homan observes, "It's simple for the user to unplug and replug a new LED module into this device," and adds that the unit is designed to accept upgrades easily. The Colibri unit controls LEDs opto-electronically, thus preventing vibration that reduces image quality. The product's LEDs provide high-contrast images that permit users to detect weak signals and fine details.

Freeze dryers speed process

The "Revo Series" freeze dryers from Millrock Technology (Kingston, NY) are intended to help users develop protocols for their products more easily, according to T.N. Thompson, the company's president. "Opti-Dry Pro" software monitors measurement techniques such as temperature test, pressure-rise test, and moisture sensing. When the test results reach customer-set values, the software directs the dryer to complete primary drying and begin secondary drying. Thompson says this feature "greatly speeds up the drying process."

Revo Series freeze dryers (Millrock Technology)

Thompson notes that the Revo series dryers use exposed-coil condensers. As ice builds up on the coils, their surface area increases, thus resulting in more efficient condensing. In addition, the dryers include numeric and graphic data collection as a standard feature, which Thompson remarks is uncommon for such units. The machines also offer 10 ft² of total shelf area, more than that of comparable systems, Thompson observes.

Process indicator simplifies control

The "X3" process indicator from Sartorius (Edgewood, NY) facilitates the control of process hopper scales with strain-gauge load cells for process-automation applications. Jim Rodina, the company's application engineer, says users can configure the device through a web browser by using virtual network connection (VNC) technology. One can store, edit, and manage configurations with Sartorius's "ConfigureIt Professional" software. Rodina adds that the VNC technology enables remote troubleshooting and eliminates the need to install software on individual computers.

X3 process indicator (Sartorius)

Users can link the indicator to a computer network through the device's Ethernet interface. The machine can thus instantly transmit weight values and process-status messages. Rodina says the indicator has "an upgraded processor in it, so the process time is much improved." Fieldbus allows the unit to be integrated into automation systems easily.

New Product Announcements

May be sent to New Products Editor, Pharmaceutical Technology, 485 Route One South, Building F, First Floor, Iselin, NJ 08830, fax 732.596.0005, ptpress@advanstar.com