Fiber-optic safety system replaces switches
Pico-Guard fiber-optic safety system from Banner Engineering (Minneapolis, MN) directly replaces mechanical safety interlock switches to safeguard potentially dangerous machines. This combination of control-reliable, non-contacting photoelectric and fiber-optic technologies provides a low-cost, traditional method of machine safeguarding.
A 2002 EDITORS’ CHOICE AWARDS WINNER
MACHINE CONTROL & DISCRETE SENSORS
Pico-Guard fiber-optic safety system from Banner Engineering (Minneapolis, MN) directly replaces mechanical safety interlock switches to safeguard potentially dangerous machines. This combination of control-reliable, non-contacting photoelectric and fiber-optic technologies provides a low-cost, traditional method of machine safeguarding. It combines a controller and various plug-in, snap-lock optical safety interlock switches and plastic fiber-optic cable to monitor doors, gates and hand guards.
The controller has four independent optical channels, which allow safeguarding of multiple points with one controller. The optical elements require no electrical connection, and no electrical energy is used because all electronics are at the controller. Optical elements can be used either as emitters or receivers to simplify installation.
Switches install quickly with cut-to-length plastic fiber-optic cable and snap-lock connectors. Multiple optical elements can be connected in series on one optical channel, which allows monitoring of several dangerous points with one channel. More guarding points can be added by inserting optical elements into an existing optical channel. Various are available, including in-line, right angle, and dual-lens versions. With the dual-lens model, the passive opposed actuator is used for lift-off doors and other removable guards. They are made of rugged, impact-resistant polycarbonate with an environmental rating of IP65 and NEMA 4/13.
www.bannerengineering.com
Patent-pending combination of control-reliable, non-contacting photoelectric and fiber-optic technologies
Designed to meet Category 4 requirements through one switch point per door
Flexible and easy to install
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