Switching by foot!

Herga Technology developed its Modular Bases System multipedal footswitch series around five years ago and since its inception has refined the product range with the derivative Medical Footswitch Design Platform series which includes UL-60601-1/IEC-60601-1 medical approval. Both systems share modular expansion components for multipedal configurations for up to 5-pedal footswitching with additional puck/haptic switches that further expand the operator control possibilities.

The moulded thermoplastic single and double plinths are interconnected by joining plates and accessories such as lift bars, guards, handles as well as dividers and steel base plates combine to flexibly adapt the assembly to the customer’s safety, durability and switching layout. Machine designers can select appropriate switching components from Herga’s standard range or 60601-1 approved footswitches and puckswitches that variously include IPX2 to IPX8 sealing with electrical ratings from 0.1 A at 24 VDC up to 6 A at 250 VAC with cable connection or Bluetooth® interfacing.

Both the medical and industrial platforms offer an attractive and ergonomic solution for OEMs and machine builders where the switching requirement can be flexibly and easily adapted to suit the exact machine control requirements. There is also the potential to expand machine switching controls on-site and to design the switching requirements using the modular components across a range of machines with varying functionality.

Medical
Specifically for the Medical Footswitch Design Platform, Herga’s 6226 series footswitches have IEC 60601/UL 60601 medical approval with environmental protection to EN60529 IPX7 or IPX8 on request. With a choice of silver or gold contacts and typical switching ratings to 3A at 24V AC/DC, users can choose momentary function for SPST, N/O or SPDT. Medically approved 6241 series puckswitches, 6244 haptic puckswitches and Otto switches can also be included with typical ratings of 0.1 A at 24V DC for SPDT/DPDT switching. Alternatively Bluetooth and USB models are available – all can mixed and matched, and any combination of these footswitches and puckswitches are effectively covered by 60601-1 approval on delivery. This simplifies the customer’s medical approval process and reduces cost of ownership by saving design effort as well as speeding development time and decreasing time-to-market for new projects. Herga offers standard configurations based on specific needs of laser manipulation and electrosurgery as well as operating tables, non-evasive surgery and more.

Industry & commercial
For industrial and business machine applications the Modular Base System offers the same sorts of flexibility as its medical counterpart with electrical switching ratings up to mains voltage levels for light- to medium-duty machine applications. Herga has developed a comprehensive range of standard variants for the industrial modular base system to combine commonly specified 6225, 6226 and 6227 series footswitches and single 6241 or 6244 puckswitches – including Bluetooth and USB switching options. Across both platforms, footswitches are available in a range of colours and can be supplied with customer specified labels. Other options including LEDs, screen printing and special electrical/wireless interfacing is available in OEM quantities on request.

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Footswitch!

Herga Technology’s 6256 series heavy-duty footswitch range is aimed at manual control tasks on industrial machinery where durability and consistent reliability are essential. The modular footswitch is available in single- or multi-pedal versions where a comprehensive selection of electrical power and switching options and a broad range of accessories ensure maximum working flexibility. 

For applications in especially hazardous environments where additional safety is vital the 6256 is available with a pressure point actuated cut-off feature that can be used to mitigate emergency situations. Should the operator actuate the pedal beyond the pressure point, the switching contact is broken, and the process is interrupted. With the footswitch locked an unintended restart is prevented. To reset the footswitch and re-enable the process the operator must first trigger the top mounted manual release button.

This version of the 6256 is also available with an optional feature that adds a mechanical resistance in the actuation path of the pedal, producing tactile feedback so that the operator can sense the instant the footswitch pressure changes. As well as its use in hazardous control tasks, the ‘DA’ feature is also used for processes that benefit from two-stage switching systems with different operational settings.

Herga’s economically priced 6256 series heavy duty footswitches includes other optional added-safety features. A built-in emergency stop fitted on the footswitch or on an extended pole arrangement allows increased machine safety close to the operator. A pedal lock version will prevent unwanted operation where the switching process needs to be disabled or restricted from improper handling.

Other accessories and options available for the 6256 series include a snap-on protective guard that accommodates safety shoe use whilst multiple footswitch expansion is made easy through an interlocking multipedal base link kit. Washdown and wet environmental use to EN 60529 can be met with an IP67 sealing kit. Extended base plates provide increased stability and pole & handle attachments make for increased portability and ease of operation.

Thanks to its modular design the 6256 offers a range of electrical switching options. These cover slow break & make and snap break & make to AC-15 6A 250V / DC-12 6A 24V (UL) as well as high power rating up to 25A 125/250V AC. 1HP 125/250V AC (with double pole change over contacts - 2 switches). Potentiometer and pneumatic versions are also available.

Built from high-impact injection moulded ABS, the modular design offers toughness and durability. The 6256 is featured in a demonstration video showing its calibre in a series of drop tests against competitive steel footswitches.

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Operating computers by foot!

The latest product offering from Herga Technology has uniquely brought Bluetooth and USB switch actuation techniques together for PC controlled systems, resulting in a wireless and hands-free solution where up to four footswitches can each emulate pre-set single or multiple keystrokes (up to three – such as Alt/Ctrl/Del) or replicate mouse clicks.

The 6311-BLE2 is a Bluetooth secure PAN enabled receiver that features pushbutton pairing with Herga’s single and multipedal Bluetooth footswitches - whilst its integrated USB 2.0 port, through simple plug and play set-up, connects seamlessly with Windows, Linux and Mac operation systems.

For remote operation from footswitch to machine, this housed receiver has a nominal 10 metre wireless range (up to 25 metres line-of-sight) with switching delay flexibility built-in via user selectable switching latency of 100 ms or 200 ms (at 10 metres). Powered via its USB port, the receiver includes LED indication for pairing and for the footswitch battery condition through the ultra-low-power Bluetooth PAN. Also included is a user selectable footswitch timeout function of 15 sec or 60 sec for footswitch battery conservation where the footswitch will auto-wake on the press of the pedal.

Footswitches that emulate computer keystrokes are especially effective for meticulous control measures in medical equipment applications from surgical procedures to imaging, diagnostic and analytic tasks. The cable-free wireless operation and completely hands-free capability that the 6311-BLE2 delivers will bring benefit where often-repeated keyboard commands are essential to machine control in high-hygiene conditions or where thoroughly tidy work areas are of upmost importance.

Herga’s comprehensive IEC 60601/UL 60601 medically approved footswitches extend across single and multipedal Bluetooth models with IPX7 environmental ratings in ergonomic and attractive designs. The comprehensive choice includes the recently announced Medical Footswitch Design Platform – a modular system of medically approved electrical or Bluetooth foot- and puck-switches that consist of a base system with single and double plinths that can each accommodate a single footswitch as well as one or two puckswitches. With up to five plinths interlocked, the system can accommodate a wide gamut of switching tasks to allow hands-free operation for the most complex medical equipment or industrial machine control tasks.

Herga’s Bluetooth range also covers single switching footswitch events through a choice of a PCB mounted receiver for installation on the customer’s equipment or a standalone housed receiver. The PCB variant includes eight open collector transistor outputs (24V DC at 100mA max.) whilst the housed receiver offers up to 6 normally open contact relay outputs (24V DC at 1.75A max.) The latency setting, footswitch power monitoring and pairing set-up features are similar to the 6311-BLE2 version.

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Temperature monitoring, protection and sensing specialist acquired.

Variohm Holdings, part of the discoverIE Group plc, has advanced its strategic plans to expand both product portfolio and manufacturing competency with the acquisition of the German/Hungarian temperature control component manufacturer Limitor Solutions GmbH. With its main 2.700 m2 manufacturing site based in Pecs - Hungary and headquarters and warehousing facilities in Urbach near Stuttgart (D), Limitor Solutions has a fifty year history as a leading manufacturer of temperature based component technologies for thermal protection, regulation, switching and sensing as well as temperature timers, fuses and controllers.

Udo Angermaier, managing director of Limitor Solutions GmbH looks forward to the acquisition’s opportunities. “We are most excited to join Variohm Holdings, to work with the other members and enjoy the benefits of our combined forces and the capability for significant growth.” 

With a customer list that spans global electronics manufacturers such as AEG, Siemens, Kärcher and Philips, Limitor Solution’s temperature monitors, temperature limiters, thermal switches, controllers, temperature fuses and timers find wide use in electric motors and associated drives, inverters and generators, transformers, domestic and DIY appliances, as well as automotive, medical, scientific and industrial control equipment. The Company also manufactures other electrical and electronic components such as cable harnesses and power cables, printed circuit boards, pumps and other components for customers and its many commercial partners.

Limitor Solutions’ core technologies and comprehensive manufacturing capabilities extend to an extensive design and automated production capability throughout its product range. Manufacturing is supported with component assembly equipment, automated welding and soldering machinery, plastic moulding and encapsulating machinery, marking and printing equipment. Fully supported by 100 employees with highly trained, qualified and experienced sales, production and quality control teams, the Company has certification for ISO 9001:2015 quality management as well as ISO 14001:2015 environmental management approval.

Over the past few months and during these most difficult times the Variohm Holdings has purchased Phoenix America - the leading USA based magnetic encoder and magnetic sensor solutions specialist - as well as the present acquisition of Limitor Solutions. 

These new additions join the other Variohm Holdings’ members including 

• Variohm EuroSensor (sensor and transducer supplier and manufacturer), 
• Herga Technology (switching and sensing solutions), 
• Ixthus Instrumentation (specialist measurement systems), 
• Heason Technology (motion control components and systems) and 
• Positek Limited (specialised linear and rotary voltage displacement sensor technologies).

Variohm Holdings’ managing director, Graham Pattison, acknowledges discoverIE’s support and vision for the substantial potential in manufacturing capability and sales growth this latest acquisition brings. “This latest purchase demonstrates discoverIE’s belief in Variohm Holdings, providing even more synergy and paving the way for an increasingly compelling offer to our valued customers”.

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Footswitch suitable for medical use.

Herga Technology's Modular Base System has successfully gained UL- and IEC- 60601-1 medical product approval. In combination with Herga’s best-in-class medically approved electrical and Bluetooth® footswitches and puckswitches, this building-block platform now provides a globally unique solution for multipedal medical equipment footswitch selection and purchase. Renamed for medical switching tasks as the Medical Footswitch Design Platform, OEMs can be assured their complete multipedal switching module has medical approval on delivery - saving cost by reducing product design effort, simplifying their medical approval process and speeding time-to-market.

The Medical Footswitch Design Platform is an attractive and ergonomic solution for medical equipment manufacturers offering wide flexibility for application-specific switching. OEMs can easily accommodate their specific switching requirements for a single machine or range of machines with varying functionality through seamless range expansion. The base system consists of moulded thermoplastic single and double plinths that mechanically lock with joining spacers to provide electrical connections for 1-, 2-, 3- 4-, or 5- plinth configurations. Each single plinth can accommodate a single footswitch as well as one or two puckswitches.

Complementing the Medical Footswitch Design Platform, Herga’s IEC 60601/UL 60601 medically approved range of footswitches include the well proven 6226 series that can be selected with environmental protection options EN60529 IPX7 or IPX8 on request. Whilst the electrical ratings for each complete base unit are determined by the application, the typical electrical switching range for each footswitch is up to 3 A at 24V AC/DC with momentary function for SPST, N/O or SPDT. Medically approved 6241 puckswitches, 6244 haptic puckswitches and Otto switches can also be included with typical ratings of 0.1 A at 24V DC for SPDT/DPDT switching.

All of the electrical switching functions for the Medical Footswitch Design Platform are typically output via a single cable for straightforward machine connection, with flying leads and stripped cable cores or with a preferred connector as required, or alternatively via our closed network Bluetooth connection. A wide range of modular accessories may be included such as tubular steel carrying handles, open guards or roll bars. For improved operational safety, each footswitch may also be separated with a raised divider built into the joining spacer. Steel base plates are available for added durability. The switch components can be suppled in a range of standard colours and customer logos included. Additional options include LEDs, screen printing and USB connection. Fully customised base systems are available in OEM quantities.

The Modular Base System is also suitable for industrial and commercial machinery switching tasks where medical approval is not essential. Herga has developed a comprehensive range of standard variants that use the new modular base system to combine commonly specified 6226 series footswitches and single 6241 puckswitches. With a series of detailed datasheets including reference dimensions and ordering information available from the Herga website, this range covers straightforward selection in eight combinations that span a single footswitch to a multiple switch combination including 4x footswitch plus 4x puckswitches switch configuration. This range can of course include Herga’s medically approved foot and puckswitches switches allowing a fully medically approved product on-delivery.

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Infrared switching for high-hygiene.

Herga’s 6461 series IR switch offers a simple and effective aid to barrier protection

Simple in operation and easily installed in new equipment or as a retrofitted replacement, Herga’s 6461 series infrared non-contact switches provide a safe, functional and cost-effective alternative to manual switches for dispensing and vending equipment as high-hygiene becomes more and more critically important. Herga has manufactured this product for several years and, tried and tested with high-reliability and widespread use in a diverse range of applications from medical laboratories to leisure facilities, this practical IR switch has a sensing range from 75 to 100 mm and is available in a wide choice of materials and switching options.

The switch is available in open collector or transistor output versions and with a low current consumption of less than 3 mA, can be configured for momentary, latching or timer delay switching. An electrical rating of up to 2A at 30V AC or DC (Nominal 12V to 24V) allows an output capable of switching a suitable relay, solenoid or direct connection to the controlled equipment.

The IR sensor element is set behind a protective acrylic lens with a light source that is modulated to reduce nuisance operation due to ambient light. With an overall IP67 rating, the sensor is epoxy encapsulated in a 33 mm diameter threaded housing, available in a choice of ABS or stainless steel and complete with locking nut for flexible use in normal or vandal-resistant installations. A fully sealed front escutcheon plate, also in a choice of stainless steel or ABS with an attractive chrome plated finish, allows the entire switch to be washed down with suitable cleaning fluids for complete hygiene protection. Temperature operating range is from -5 to +40 ⁰C.

The 6461 switch’s sensitivity allows operation of the switch without any actual contact - with infrared detection of objects such as a finger or a hand at a distance of approximately 70 mm. Special versions can be adapted to detect large objects such as a person or other parts of the body from distances up to 500 mm. This flexibility allows far-reaching dispensing and vending tasks on high hygiene equipment for water, soap and cleansing gels etc. as well as non-contact actuation of dryers, door openers and many other devices used in medical and laboratory fields as well as public conveniences, airports and other environments - where hygienic measures are nowadays so essentially important.

Herga’s comprehensive product range also covers other contacting infrared as well as Bluetooth® and USB switching components along with medically approved and industrial grade single- or multi-pedal foot and hand controlled switches based on electrical, electronic, and pneumatic technologies in standard and user-customised designs.

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Foot switches!

Herga Technology has launched a new range of engineered heavy-duty footswitches aimed at operator control for industrial production environments. Available in multiple configurations with slow or snap, break & make switching, the modular and robust design of the new 6256 series allows unlimited footswitch expansion and simple adaptation for optional safety guards.

Herga’s new 6256 series footswitches will suit applications where durability, reliability and long working life are key factors for plant & equipment OEMs and machine builders. Using Herga Technologies unique development gate process, the modern and aesthetic high impact injection moulded ABS/PC housing design has been extensively validated for durability, temperature, environmental conditions and is a significantly cost-effective but highly capable alternative to more expensive cast-metal footswitch solutions. Applications areas include operator enabled function switching where hand control is not feasible or safe in metal or plastics processing, laser machining, hydraulic press, welding, riveting stamping and more.

The fully waterproof IP67 protection class footswitch accommodates safety shoe use, includes a non-slip base and has through holes for direct floor mounting plus three alternative M20 conduit entry points. The design & construction allows fast assembly and easy adaptation to the application whilst quick access to the large wiring compartment with screw-terminal connection and an integral a self-lifting clamp ensure dependable installation. The 6256 footswitch suits motor and heavy duty loads thanks to a rated operational current of 6A at 250V AC (AC-15) or 24V DC (DC-13). Long electrical life is assured with a rated five hundred thousand switching cycles when interrupting 6A AC-15 at 250V.

In addition to the safety guard, the modular construction concept of the 6256 will also allow application-specific accessories to be added such as custom protective shields, safety trips, mechanical interlocks, foot rests etc. The footswitches can be manufactured locked together to form sturdy multiple footswitch groups, machine ergonomics and scalability is easily achieved.

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Wireless remote control system.

Herga Technology has recently added a new range of 2.4 GHz wireless remote controls for industrial machinery and equipment switching. With a standard range of 30 to 40 metres, the new 6313 and 6314 series transmitter and receiver modules are available with a choice ergonomic handsets with up to 10 buttons and receivers with 5 or 11 relays at 12/24 VDC at 1 A.

The range features robust 16-channel radio frequency technology with simple pairing set-up. With momentary switching as standard and latching available on request, programming modes can be either discontinuous mode where the hand control only transmits when a button is pressed, or continuous mode where the hand control constantly transmits whilst turned on. Furthermore, an interlocking feature allows only one button to be switched at any one time.

The range brings wireless control to doors, gates and barriers and will also suit remote operation of pumps, fans and valves, and other industrial machinery. The choice of three 6313 series handsets includes a 3- or 6-button small size version, a 3-, 6-, 8- or 10-button medium size variant, as well as a highly durable model for up to 10-buttons with extra protection. Handset transmitters may be mixed with a single receiver. The small and medium sized handsets operate with standard AAA batteries whilst the large model features rechargeable li-ion battery power.

The –20 °C to +55 °C operating temperature and IP66/67 protection rating will suit a wide range of environments, including outside use. As with all Herga Technology switching components, customised overlays are available for OEMs with larger batch deliveries. Longer range versions and other custom modifications are available on request.

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Software support for machine designers.

Supporting its comprehensive range of electric, wireless and air actuated foot and hand switching controls, Herga Technology has added an easy-to-use 3D product viewer and CAD file download facility to its website.

In addition to downloadable PDF datasheets, designers and engineers can now further speed product development with one-click interactive 3D models and downloadable STEP format CAD files for use in their own design software. The 3D viewer is fully compatible with PCs, tablets and smartphones and is of course completely free to use. As well as image rotation, numerous other features include overall size, sectional views and image screenshots.

Herga is a designer and manufacturer offering a comprehensive range of ergonomic single- or multi-pedal switching technologies for medical equipment, home & commercial automation and industrial machinery applications. The range spans electrical/electronic, pneumatic, Bluetooth® wireless and USB switching.

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Safe switching for surgical equipment.

Herga Technology is supplying 6448 bellows footswitch and 6763 airswitches to Cipher Surgical Ltd for its OpClear® laparoscope lens cleaning system. The innovative medical device delivers saline and CO2 via a disposable sheath procedure kit to maintain continuous and intraoperative clear vision for keyhole surgery.

Laparoscopy involves examination and surgical procedures within the abdominal and pelvic areas of the body. A form of keyhole surgery, the practise uses a hand held laparoscope, or endoscope, to allow the surgeon to macroscopically view the area to be treated, and given the correct conditions offers substantial benefits of time, safety and patient wellbeing over open surgery techniques. The laparoscope is a tubular instrument that integrates a powerful camera and lens system with lighting to provide a very high definition viewing area.

Inevitably during use, the instrument’s visibility is impaired by various debris and condensation gathering at the distal optical face and until now removal and external cleaning has been the usual method to combat this situation. It is reported that an average operation requires 13 removals as well as significant time spent with sub optimal vision, which prolong operation timescales and increased cost as well as potentially impairing patient comfort and safety.

However, the innovative OpClear system significantly mitigates the need for removal by dispensing saline to wash the lens face and CO2 to clear debris. This is achieved by Cipher Surgical’s advanced control system delivering the cleaning mediums through a special disposable sheath that clips on the laparoscope. The Herga bellows footswitch is simply tapped by the surgeon when cleaning is required.

Cipher Surgical are based at the University of Warwick Science Park’s Venture Centre (GB) and through investment funding began development of the OpClear in 2010 after proof of principle was established through its close links with the university. Now in its second generation to allow use with more types of laparoscopes, the patented system is cleared for sale in Europe and selected markets. ISO 13485 accredited manufacturing is outsourced within Britain.

Air actuation for such instruments is well proven in the medical equipment field, providing intrinsic safety and high durability in the operating theatre environment. Herga is well versed in medical applications with product technologies covering air, electrical and wireless switching – many with UL and IEC 60601 medical approvals. The Herga 6448 bellows footswitch is a robust design that finds applications across medical as well as demanding industrial markets. The low profile footswitch includes a flexible polymer bellows with a rigid polymer baseplate and is supplied with an optional base for convenient mounting. The 6763 PCB mounting airswitch is aimed at low pressure momentary action switching and features a silicon diaphragm and a choice of back or side tube entry positions. For the OpClear version UL 508 approval is included to comply with North American and global standards for such equipment.

Herga has worked closely with Cipher Surgical through the various stages of development and is proud have supported the company to its present level of success and looks forward to many years of close cooperation in the future.

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Remote switches!

As part of its comprehensive range of switching solutions, Herga Technology offers electric, infrared, USB and pneumatic hand control switches for demanding medical and industrial applications. The range covers ergonomic designs that are easily adapted through a comprehensive ordering system for the number and level of switches (buttons/bellows), colours, labelling, lead length, connection type and more.

Herga’s 6310 electric series is available in standard or heavy-duty versions for up to eight switching functions with switching capacity options of 24 V at 1A or 250 VAC at 10A. The 6310 is also supplied as an infrared version with receivers for up to eight coded channels or as a bellows-type pneumatic switching version for up to six functions, and can be supplied complete with Herga’s air switches. A programmable USB switching version for 1 to 3 button functions is also supplied in the 6310 body style.

Other models include stylish electric and pneumatic switched versions specifically aimed at medical patient handling, therapy and mobility applications where the electric hand switching range meets the 2014/35/EU voltage directive with environmental protection ratings up to IPx8. Herga’s hand control range fully compliments its foot-switching products which are available as electric, pneumatic, USB, infrared and Bluetooth® technologies.

Herga also offers custom-built versions available to match customer livery and machine designs. For hand or foot actuated machine switching, Herga’s project-gate design and manufacturing process ensures thorough product development from the first concepts all the way through to production and beyond to lifetime product support. Customised applications can include combined switching technologies as durable and ergonomic controls that enhance OEM’s industrial machinery and medical equipment products.

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