Control systems are at the heart of a glove box and perhaps the most important feature in user terms, yet generally given the least attention at the purchase stage. It is critically important for the user of a glove box system to thoroughly understand the optional possibilities of system control, in performing tasks repeatedly over many years, and how this is going to impact on their time, performance and quality of process. Also the operator ability to interface with the glove box can range from tedious, mediocre to simply straightforward and a delight to use.

Control systems can be separated into power modules, logic controllers, and operator interface units. Power modules accept an available power source and distribute or change that power source to usable energy as required by the various components of a glove box. Logic controllers are microelectronic assemblies that have a connectivity sequence as determined by the glove box designer to maintain the system. Operator interface units have the dual function of providing the operator with glove box performance information, and allowing the operator to determine the operational parameters of the glove box within the designers set parameters.

Little need be said about power modules other than for their accessibility in changing fuses or resetting power trips. Logic controllers can be similarly dismissed apart from the extent of their functional programmes. However the operator interface needs critical examination for the quality of presentation of information, accessibility of control functions and extent of system monitoring possibilities.

PC Based System Control.

A dedicated PC provides a base upon which both designer and glove box user can explore the limitations of presentation, accessibility is readily available in tried and tested form using keyboard and mouse, and system monitoring is simply added to the PC, mostly from readily available programmes. Our PC colour monitor presents essential glove box information in vivid graphic form, using colour for enhanced definition and readability.

From this default position, gaining access to a menu of operational routines is simply accomplished by left clicking on the selected menu operation whilst essential information remains visibly available. A selected menu routine will further display its essential elements of functionality, and click on submenus or icons will provide further operation functions or change of setting. Operator confidence is uppermost in our mind when designing system control, and logical clear follow on displays dispense with the need for a hand held instruction book.

A PC can monitor glove box performance and provide graphic and numeric history of events in real time. We can provide log on facilities where any authorised person can gain access to that information anywhere in the world with compatible equipment. We can even carry out diagnostic investigation to glove box performance and operation using the same means. PC based glove box control and monitoring systems offer the maximum potential, and selected with clear objectivity and purpose, provide a very cost effective means of gaining the most from a glove box.

Touch Screen System Control.

An integrated control system using programmable logic and a colour display screen provides a continuous reference to all glove box operations and forms the basis of our standard high specification R&D™, Academic™, and Optimum™ control systems.

Essential glove box performance information is displayed in easy to see colour bar graphs alongside a four-button keypad, which forms an eye-level interface to monitor and control all system functions. Historic information can be accessed through the main menu of options for oxygen and moisture, which are presented in graph form against time over the immediate past 7 hours and separately over the immediate past 7 days. This data can also be down loaded to a PC.

A function instruction initiated by touching the FNC key will introduce the user to a Main Menu of displayed operations selectable by either touching the desired menu item or using the UP key or DOWN key to highlight the chosen operation. The fourth keypad button is the escape ESC key, which returns the screen to the default graphic display.

Thus the operator follows an easy to see, easy to follow menu-driven interface for entering all information and initiating all available programmed operations, allowing inexperienced users to quickly assume confident control of the glove box facilities dispensing with the need for a hand held instruction book.

Combined LCD display and push button control.

A cost effective user interface control system for general and occasional operation of glove boxes. A two line numeric LCD display provides critical information in default mode, and operational and set up detail to a menu of routines accessed through eight push buttons.

Some of the eight push buttons are reserved for frequently repeated operations, with the remaining push buttons allocated to accessing and initiating menu functions programmed into the microprocessor which remains the same as that used for our standard touch screen system control.

The LCD and push button system follows a logical control routine which is readily understood and initiated by reading the display instructions, which after reading the supplied operating and maintenance instruction manual, users quickly become familiar with.

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