Abstract: An electrical switch mat which generally includes a first layer of flexible matting material, a second layer of flexible matting material, and a perimeter ribbon switch disposed between the first layer and the second layer. The ribbon switch has a longitudinal edge and is operable under pressure between a closed condition and an open condition and maintained in one of the open and closed conditions in the absence of pressure. The first and second layers have a peripheral edge which is aligned with the longitudinal edge of the ribbon switch in a coplanar relationship to form a peripheral edge of the electrical switch mat.

Abstract: A machine guarding system generally includes a switch mat in electrical communication with a machine being guarded. The switch mat is adapted to be placed on a floor adjacent the machine being guarded and includes a pressure actuated switch mechanism which causes power to the machine to be terminated when a pressure is applied to the switch mat. The switch mat further includes a status indicator display disposed on a surface of the switch mat which is illuminated based on a status of the machine being guarded. In a preferred embodiment, the machine guarding system further includes a machine control unit for controlling power to the machine being guarded. The switch mat is in electrical communication with the machine control unit, wherein the switch mechanism causes the machine control unit to terminate power to the machine when a pressure is applied to the switch mat. The machine control unit also illuminates the indicator display based on a status of the machine being guarded.

Abstract: An electrical switch mat which generally includes a first layer of flexible matting material, a second layer of flexible matting material, and a perimeter ribbon switch disposed between the first layer and the second layer. The ribbon switch has a longitudinal edge and is operable under pressure between a closed condition and an open condition and maintained in one of the open and closed conditions in the absence of pressure. The first and second layers have a peripheral edge which is aligned with the longitudinal edge of the ribbon switch in a coplanar relationship to form a peripheral edge of the electrical switch mat.

Abstract: A machine guarding system generally includes a switch mat in electrical communication with a machine being guarded. The switch mat is adapted to be placed on a floor adjacent the machine being guarded and includes a pressure actuated switch mechanism which causes power to the machine to be terminated when a pressure is applied to the switch mat. The switch mat further includes a status indicator display disposed on a surface of the switch mat which is illuminated based on a status of the machine being guarded. In a preferred embodiment, the machine guarding system further includes a machine control unit for controlling power to the machine being guarded. The switch mat is in electrical communication with the machine control unit, wherein the switch mechanism causes the machine control unit to terminate power to the machine when a pressure is applied to the switch mat. The machine control unit also illuminates the indicator display based on a status of the machine being guarded.