Manual control device gains AS-I interface

Paul Boughton
Jokab Safety's Safeball has now been further developed with an AS-i node connection, making it easy to install in AS-i fieldbus networks. The installation only needs two wires to be connected to the Safeball for use either as a one-hand control device or with a pair of Safeballs connected to the AS-i cable as a two-hand control station.

The ergonomic round design of the Safeball makes it good for all types of hands and it can be gripped in many ways. Some companies have specified the Safeball as the only permissible two-hand control device, as their medical expertise recommend this for ergonomic reasons.

Instead of the classical thinking with ordinary pushbuttons and non-ergonomic protection for unintentional activation, the Safeball is a sphere with two pushbuttons, one on each side. By having two pushbuttons for each hand placed one opposite sides of the ball, the Safeball's design prevents unintentional activation. In order to start a machine both pushbuttons in each hand have to be pushed. On a two-hand control device both Safeballs (ie all four pushbuttons) have to be activated within 0.5s.

The mounting of the Safeball is also very versatile, which makes it possible for it to be mounted in an ergonomic position for the operator. The Safeball, JSTD1, is certified by Inspecta in Sweden as a two-hand control device (JSTD1x2) according to the highest safety level in standard EN 574 (type IIIc).

For more information, visit www.jokabsafety.com

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