Abstract: Fast-acting and low-inertia actuators useable in various applications where a high force must be applied very quickly are disclosed. Power tools with detection systems configured to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a cutting tool are disclosed. In power tools, for example in a woodworking machine, a fast-acting and low-inertial actuator as disclosed herein can be used to retract a blade upon detection of a dangerous condition by a detection system. The actuator includes a charge of pressurized fluid and one or more electromagnets to selectively retain or release the pressurized fluid.

Abstract: Power tools with conductive couplings used with active injury mitigation technology are disclosed. Conductive couplings are particularly relevant to table saws, hand-held circular saws, track saws, miter saws, and band saws with active injury mitigation technology. Conductive couplings provide a mechanism through which an electrical signal can be coupled or imparted to a blade, and then monitored for changes indicative of human contact with the blade. An exemplary conductive coupling includes a brush that establishes an electrical connection with a moving part of a power tool, and the brush maintains contact with the moving part of the power tool during at least 40 hours of cumulative time when the motor is spinning the arbor and blade without an interruption in the electrical connection sufficient to trigger the reaction system. A conductive coupling may be two-sided compliant. A conductive coupling may connect to a motor shaft to minimize electrical noise.

Abstract: Fast-acting and low-inertia actuators useable in various applications where a high force must be applied very quickly are disclosed. Power tools with detection systems configured to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a cutting tool are disclosed. In power tools, for example in a woodworking machine, a fast-acting and low-inertial actuator as disclosed herein can be used to retract a blade upon detection of a dangerous condition by a detection system. The actuator includes a charge of pressurized fluid and one or more electromagnets to selectively retain or release the pressurized fluid.

Abstract: Inserts for use in table saws are disclosed. One embodiment may include a mechanism to lock mechanically and affirmatively the insert in a blade opening in a table saw. The mechanism is designed so that a user can install and remove the insert without tools. The mechanism also can be designed so that the front of the insert pops up above the table when released from its locked position. The mechanism can be further designed so that the insert can be unlocked or released by a user pressing a button or tab.

Abstract: Inserts for table saws are disclosed. The table inserts are equipped with a toolless locking mechanism that mechanically holds the insert in place and which allows for the installation and removal of the insert without the use of tools. The locking mechanism is easy to lock and unlock and yet robust enough to hold a zero-clearance insert in place.

Abstract: Power tools with conductive couplings used with active injury mitigation technology are disclosed. Conductive couplings are particularly relevant to table saws, hand-held circular saws, track saws, miter saws, and band saws with active injury mitigation technology. Conductive couplings provide a mechanism through which an electrical signal can be coupled or imparted to a blade, and then monitored for changes indicative of human contact with the blade. An exemplary conductive coupling includes a brush that establishes an electrical connection with a moving part of a power tool, and the brush maintains contact with the moving part of the power tool during at least 40 hours of cumulative time when the motor is spinning the arbor and blade without an interruption in the electrical connection sufficient to trigger the reaction system. A conductive coupling may be two-sided compliant. A conductive coupling may connect to a motor shaft to minimize electrical noise.

Abstract: Fences for use in table saws are disclosed. One embodiment may include an actuator, handle or lever to lock and unlock the fence from the table, where the actuator, handle or lever is positioned substantially above the tabletop and substantially within the perimeter of the table (including any rail associated with the table). Another embodiment may include an actuator, handle or lever to lock and unlock the fence from the table, where the actuator, handle or lever is positioned along a top surface of the fence and configured so that the fence unclamps from the saw when the actuator, handle or lever is pressed. The fence may be configured to include a material support shelf that is selectably extendable and retractable.

Abstract: Power tools with conductive couplings used with active injury mitigation technology are disclosed. Conductive couplings are particularly relevant to table saws, hand-held circular saws, track saws, miter saws, and band saws with active injury mitigation technology. Conductive couplings provide a mechanism through which an electrical signal can be coupled or imparted to a blade, and then monitored for changes indicative of human contact with the blade. An exemplary conductive coupling includes a brush that establishes an electrical connection with a moving part of a power tool, and the brush maintains contact with the moving part of the power tool during at least 40 hours of cumulative time when the motor is spinning the arbor and blade without an interruption in the electrical connection sufficient to trigger the reaction system. A conductive coupling may be two-sided compliant. A conductive coupling may connect to a motor shaft to minimize electrical noise.

Abstract: Power saws and features for power saws are disclosed. Various features are particularly relevant to jobsite or benchtop table saws, such as a trunnion formed from a shaped tube, an elevation carriage, and an arbor block retention mechanism. Other features are particularly relevant to table saws, hand-held circular saws, track saws, miter saws, and band saws with active injury mitigation technology, such as an electrically isolating gear and an overmolded arbor/gear element.

Abstract: Fast-acting and low-inertia actuators useable in various applications where a high force must be applied very quickly are disclosed. Power tools with detection systems configured to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a cutting tool are disclosed. In power tools, for example in a woodworking machine, a fast-acting and low-inertial actuator as disclosed herein can be used to retract a blade upon detection of a dangerous condition by a detection system. The actuator includes a charge of pressurized fluid and one or more electromagnets to selectively retain or release the pressurized fluid.

Abstract: Blade guards for table saws are disclosed. The blade guards can be used in a configuration where the guard holds a work piece against a work surface. This may be thought of as blade guards with hold-down capability. The blade guards also include splitters and anti-kickback assemblies. The anti-kickback assemblies include anti-kickback pawls that can be in an operable configuration or a disabled configuration.

Abstract: Fast-acting and low-inertia actuators useable in various applications where a high force must be applied very quickly are disclosed. Power tools with detection systems configured to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a cutting tool are disclosed. In power tools, for example in a woodworking machine, a fast-acting and low-inertial actuator as disclosed herein can be used to retract a blade upon detection of a dangerous condition by a detection system. The actuator includes a charge of pressurized fluid and one or more electromagnets to selectively retain or release the pressurized fluid.

Abstract: Blade guards for table saws are disclosed. The blade guards can be used in a configuration where the guard holds a work piece against a work surface. This may be thought of as blade guards with hold-down capability. The blade guards also include splitters and anti-kickback assemblies. The anti-kickback assemblies include anti-kickback pawls that can be in an operable configuration or a disabled configuration.

Abstract: Power saws and features for power saws are disclosed. Various features are particularly relevant to jobsite or benchtop table saws, such as a trunnion formed from a shaped tube, an elevation carriage, and an arbor block retention mechanism. Other features are particularly relevant to table saws, hand-held circular saws, track saws, miter saws, and band saws with active injury mitigation technology, such as an electrically isolating gear and an overmolded arbor/gear element.

Abstract: Table saws and table saws designed to implement safety systems that detect contact between a person and a dangerous portion of the saw are disclosed. Table saw components, mounting systems for table saws, and table saw attachments are also disclosed. One embodiment may include a first clamp surface, a second clamp surface spaced apart from the first clamp surface so that a base portion of a riving knife or splitter can be placed between the clamp surfaces with the opposing sides of the base portion generally parallel to the first and second clamp surfaces.

Abstract: Blade tilt mechanisms for table saws are disclosed. The disclosed tilt mechanisms provide easy and intuitive operation. They also provide auto-locking so that a user simply releases a component to lock the blade at a specific angle. The tilt mechanisms also provide defined incremental steps for the tilt of the blade and the steps are typically spaced at 1-degree intervals.

Abstract: Control systems are disclosed for power tools such as table saws, miter saws, band saws, hand-held circular saws, jointers, shapers, routers, and up-cut saws. The control systems include systems to turn power tools on and off, and to control the supply of power to motors. The systems to turn power tools on and off may include dual switches that must be operated together to turn a power tool on. The systems to provide power to motors may include dual relays in series implemented with methods to minimize arcing and welding of the relays. The systems described herein may be implemented in power tools equipped with active injury mitigation technology.

Abstract: Elevation and blade tilt mechanisms for table saws are disclosed. The elevation and tilt mechanisms may include an indexable position adjustment system configured to adjust the position of the blade relative to the table in discrete increments. Such table saws may also include a trunnion assembly with an elevation carriage slideably mounted to front and rear brackets, the brackets being tiltable with the elevation carriage relative to the table, and the elevation carriage being adapted to maintain the tilt of each bracket relative to the other bracket in a fixed orientation.

Abstract: Inserts for table saws are disclosed. The table inserts are equipped with a toolless locking mechanism that mechanically holds the insert in place and which allows for the installation and removal of the insert without the use of tools. The locking mechanism is easy to lock and unlock and yet robust enough to hold a zero-clearance insert in place.

Abstract: Control systems are disclosed for power tools such as table saws, miter saws, band saws, hand-held circular saws, jointers, shapers, routers, and up-cut saws. The control systems include systems to turn power tools on and off, and to control the supply of power to motors. The systems to turn power tools on and off may include dual switches that must be operated together to turn a power tool on. The systems to provide power to motors may include dual relays in series implemented with methods to minimize arcing and welding of the relays. The systems described herein may be implemented in power tools equipped with active injury mitigation technology.