MCS OPENS DOOR FOR PRODUCTION OF MIDLAND INVENTION

A Midland designer's dream of producing a simple, cost-effective device, which automatically opens doors for wheelchair users, has finally become a reality thanks to the engineering skills of MCS Medical. Keith Skinner, Managing Director of Coventry-based Xcalibre Equipment Ltd had, for a number of years, attempted to develop a prototype door opener/closer unit, but had experienced difficulties in finding a manufacturer who could successfully mass produce the internal components.

Keith explains: "It was extremely frustrating, knowing that I had a revolutionary product which had the potential to be highly commercial, yet which was in danger of forever remaining at the prototype stage. For more than two years I tried, without success, to find an engineering company, which had the skills needed to implement full-scale production. Finally, thanks to a mutual contact at the University of Warwick, with whom we had been working, I was put in touch with MCS Medical. I was delighted and relieved to finally find a company who were able to successfully produce the internal components to the precise tolerances required. Their engineering expertise, combined with their policy of zero defects and stringent QC checks, has meant they have delivered what no other firm could."

In November 2003, Xcalibre, with the help of MCS Medical, commenced full-scale production of their innovative automatic door system. The unit works by utilising a pneumatically-powered mechanism, incorporating the piston and linear gear system engineered by MCS Medical. This allows the door to be automatically opened by a wall-mounted switch, pressure mat or even PIR device. A spring-loaded mechanism then closes the door after a time delay, making the system suitable for use on fire-doors.

The Xcalibre system is already in use at the National Fire College at Morton in the Marsh and Keith is enthusiastic about future sales potential, particularly as the new Disability Discrimination Act will soon require disabled access provision for all public buildings.

Warren Gray, Sales Director of MCS Medical, said: "When Keith first approached us with his designs, it was clear that he had a winning idea. The components used in the Xcalibre system are fairly complex and the real key to achieving cost-effective, full-scale production was to ensure the tolerances and alignments were absolutely spot on. As a precision engineering company our reputation is built on accuracy and, as such, our quality controls are in-built throughout the manufacturing process. We believe that our 'zero defects' policy is the only acceptable operating standard, particularly as our components are often utilised in life-critical situations where there is no room for error."

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