Precision Instrumentation is a Multi-Disciplinary Project

Ralston Instruments was founded in 1969. Its creation was a direct response to the demand for an accurate and convenient method of calibrating pressure. The company had its first success with the development of the hand held pneumatic pump in 1969. Later, in 1970, the first hydraulic hand pump was created. Since then, Ralston Instruments has continued to create user-friendly, secure, and time-saving products. The company is known for its hand pumps, adapters, compressed gas control devices, hoses, and complete calibration kits—all of which are made in the USA.

Ralston Instruments had industrial designers and electrical engineers at its disposal; however, what the company lacked in house—engineering expertise—it sought out in Occam Technology Group. We were approached by Griffin Ralston of Ralston Instruments to help integrate specific ideas and technology into one small package, while still meeting all of the rigorous regulatory standards. We agreed to develop the product, design it, and simulate testing of a digital prototype, as well as a 3D model, to ensure the product’s complete success.

We created a digital prototype, which allowed us to simulate dropping the device from 3 feet onto a concrete floor. When it failed, we knew that we had to make a drastic change. The Occam team worked with a plastic supplier to develop new type of plastic—a carbon fiber nylon material—which is used for the main body of the device. The carbon fiber impregnated nylon is stronger than some aluminum and has incredible strength numbers.

Ralston had very exacting standards. These standards were never lowered, and Ralston continued to pursue them throughout the project. We were able to come up with the perfect solution, so that all of the industrial design and electrical components could fit into such a tiny package and do all the things they needed done.