This is a surface air shut-off valve for the diving apparatus that we designed in conjunction with our client.

The valve is designed to be attached to the divers belt strap so it is always within easy reach to allow switch over of air supply in an emergency.

The valve also features a safety catch that is thumb operated to prevent the valve accidentally being operated if the handle gets snagged or knocked.

The valve is a prototype design that can be made without expensive tooling.

This is an applicator for delivering octyl-blend cyanoacrylate monomer for use in wound closure. If you are unfortunate enough to fall and sustain a wound deep enough to need medical attention, you may find your wound being closed by one of these devices.

The applicator contains the monomer in a glass ampoule, which extends the shelf life, and negates the need for refrigeration.

The winged actuator provides an easy ‘click-and-use’ functionality which breaks the glass ampoule and expresses the cyanoacrylate monomer through an integral filter to the precision tip. This helps achieve precise wound closure and usually excellent cosmetic results.

Ground guard grate

This is used to provide grass reinforcement, ground stabilisation and gravel retention for pedestrian and vehicle access areas. Areas where this type of product is used are more environmentally friendly that concrete, paving or tarmac.

The grate is made from 100% recycled materials.
It features the ability to interlock an indefinite number of grates together to cover any area you wish.

The main criteria of this design were strength and stack-ability. The product needed to be able to withstand the rigours of supporting the weight of motor vehicles and to stack in the minimum height possible.

The brief for this one was simple: A small plastic air freshener in the shape of a golf ball with a snap-together feature for the two case halves. 

There was a small challenge though, namely how to get a convincing dimple pattern so it looks like a golf ball.  – Examination of a real golf ball proved necessary.

This project was completed some time ago so you may have seen these in the shops.

This is an RFID enabled cabinet to be used as a secure store for unmanned dispensing of a wide range of goods and clothing.

Stock levels contained in the cabinets are constantly monitored and access is controlled using swipe card or PIN. Users can be given a credit limit which limits access.

The cabinets are designed to be used by hospitals, schools, hotels and anywhere where staff need to access clean garments.

These cabinets eliminate the need for storerooms and storeroom staff. Their modular design means that a number of cabinets can be linked together provide more storage as needed.

A special version of the cabinet is available for returned soiled garments.

For further information can be obtained from http://www.autovaletsystems.com

This is a prototype balanced regulator for use with the diving apparatus we designed in conjunction with our client.

A balanced regulator is designed to maintain a similar effort to draw air from no matter what depth you are diving at. Unbalanced regulators will increase the breathing resistance as the depth gets greater. A balanced regulator becomes more advantageous when diving at greater depths.

As we were designing a prototype, our design did not need any tooling and was able to be made purely by machined and fabricated parts.

New generation of electro-surgery devices

This is an electro-surgery forceps device which incorporates an automatic activation switch, which activates the current when the forceps are squeezed to a certain pressure.

Traditionally, electro-surgical forceps have been operated via a foot switch, which means that the surgeon has the added task of having to keep one foot balanced on the switch while performing delicate surgery.

This device frees the surgeon to adjust his feet position to a more comfortable and relaxed stance, improving his balance and coordination.

The device comes in two configurations, one with smoke evacuation and one without.
Smoke evacuation is the ability of the device to use a vacuum pump to draw air from around the tips and away from the working area.

Electrosurgery produces some smoke and vapours while in use. There has been increased awareness of the potential effects to the health of staff and patients from breathing in surgical smoke, along with reduced visibility in the surgical site and the unpleasant odours.

More information on this product can be obtained from http://prima-medical.com

A cap for a well-known brand of perfume.

The original styling was not done by Alphatech but we helped a local moulding company that specialises in high quality caps and closures to develop the design for manufacture.

A robust mobile antenna for use in battlefield communications. This is carried in the back of a vehicle and deployed quickly when required.

Design criteria.

EMC shielded.

Strong and robust. – Must be able to withstand being thrown in the back of a Landrover.

Weather and dust proof.  – Deployed in many different environments.

High range of operating temperatures. – Used in all climates.

Easy to manufacture and assemble.

Must not degrade from sun exposure.

Must have good chemical resistance.

Photo Credit: Cpl Paul Morrison/MOD

This is a sterilisation tray that we designed for one of our injection moulding clients.

The tray is generally used in hospitals for the sterilisation of surgical equipment before re-use. The equipment would typically be long instruments like scopes and laparoscopic tools.

The main criteria for the tray are, that: It is robust, it is not affected by aggressive sterilisation methods, the sterilisation medium can get to all areas of the contained device, that the tray drains freely and the trays are stackable.

Alphatech designed the trays to the end client’s specifications. No modifications were requested and tooling was made and the part moulded without any changes to the design.