Abstract: A drive unit drives a slide which vertically reciprocates for pressing the workpiece. A detection unit detects positional information about the slide. A speed control unit controls the speed of the slide by the drive unit, based on motion information defining operation of the slide. A stoppage determination calculation unit sets a deceleration start point at which deceleration of the slide is to be started, based on the motion information and a set point at which the slide is to be forced to stop. A speed control unit determines whether an abnormality signal regarding transportation of the workpiece is input, when the slide reaches the deceleration start point based on the positional information about the slide detected by the detection unit. The speed control unit performs deceleration control for the slide so that the slide is stopped at the set point, when determining that the abnormality signal is input.

Abstract: A wearable augmented reality overlay device for use with a tool displays information to a user relating to the status or operation of the tool, to the forming of a work piece for a project, or to safety information related to the tool. The displayed information may include a highlight projected onto a portion of the tool, onto a wearer's body part, or onto a work piece. The displayed information may include a virtual control for the tool or another tool, an operating manual, or a maintenance, assembly or operating guide. The wearable display permits the user to control the tool and potentially other tools in the work shop. The display may instead include a projector to project adjustment information as a tool is adjusted. A virtual image of a tool may be projected to locating a tool in a work area.

Abstract: A power tool assembly includes a latch movable between a first latch position whereat the latch supports a drop arm assembly in a first drop arm assembly position, and a second latch position whereat the latch does not support the drop arm assembly position at the first drop arm assembly position, and an arbor lock movable between a first lock position whereat the arbor lock prevents movement of the drop arm assembly toward the second drop arm assembly position when the drop arm assembly is in the first drop arm assembly position, and a second lock position whereat the arbor lock does not prevent movement of the drop arm assembly toward the second drop arm assembly position when the drop arm assembly is in the first drop arm assembly position.

Abstract: Various embodiments of tools with associated optical measurement devices are described. An apparatus may include a tool to be applied to a workpiece, an optical measurement device in a feed path of the tool, and a controller. The optical measurement device may generate displacement measurements indicative of displacement of the workpiece as the workpiece traverses the feed path toward the tool. The controller may generate a measurement of the workpiece based on the plurality of displacement measurements.

Abstract: A power tool includes an actuator that moves an implement, an infrared sensor, and a range sensor. A controller in the power tool receives temperature data and range data corresponding to objects in a region proximate to the implement. If an object in the predetermined has a temperature within a predetermined range and is identified as being within a predetermined minimum distance of the moving implement, then the controller deactivates the actuator to halt the implement.

Abstract: Woodworking machines with cutting tools and motors to drive the cutting tools are disclosed. The machines may be equipped with a detection system that detects a dangerous condition between the cutting tool and a person, and with a reaction system that performs a specified action upon detection of the dangerous condition. The machines also may be equipped with a control system that tests the operability of at least a portion of the detection system and/or the reaction system. The control system may disable the motor if the tested portion is inoperable.

Abstract: An improvement in table saw safety is provided, being a new and improved apparatus and method for stopping the blade of a saw very quickly, thereby preventing serious harm to the operator of the saw. The saw brake senses the approach of a conductive element, such as a finger or a hand, to the saw blade, and immediately stops the saw.

Abstract: A power tool includes a sensing circuit mounted on a printed circuit card is electrically connected to a switching power supply that supplies electrical power to the sensing circuit. The sensing circuit is not connected to earth ground to enable detection of an operator approaching a moving implement without the operator necessarily being electrically connected to earth ground.

Abstract: Various safety systems for power tools, and in particular table saws, include detection systems for detecting a dangerous condition relative to a blade of the power tool, and reaction systems for taking mitigation action in response to detection of a dangerous condition. The safety system may detect, prevent, and/or mitigate a dangerous condition associated with the power tool.

Abstract: A slicing apparatus and a weighing and classifying conveyor combination with cleanup position wherein, the elevated food article feed mechanism can be collapsed to a maintenance position, the weighing and classifying conveyor is oriented at a distance from the slicing apparatus and the slicing head cover is automatically lifted to an open cleanup position. The machine has laser intrusion detectors that are used to shut down systems when an unwanted intrusion by a person or object is detected.

Abstract: A slicing apparatus and a weighing and classifying conveyor combination with cleanup position wherein, the elevated food article feed mechanism can be collapsed to a maintenance position, the weighing and classifying conveyor is oriented at a distance from the slicing apparatus and the slicing head cover is automatically lifted to an open cleanup position. The machine has laser intrusion detectors that are used to shut down systems when an unwanted intrusion by a person or object is detected.

Abstract: A pneumatic cylinder associated with a table saw includes a housing, a charge, and a piston assembly. The housing defines a cavity and is supported by a frame of a table saw. The charge is located within the cavity. The piston assembly is located within the cavity and includes an attachment structure engaged to the housing and a piston head releaseably connected to the attachment structure and in response to activation of the charge the piston head is configured to (i) disconnect from the attachment structure, and (ii) move away from the attachment structure. A swing arm of the table saw is configured to move from a raised position to a lowered position in response to movement of the piston head.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an automatic braking system for a pivoting power tool includes a cutting assembly, a cutting arm supporting the cutting assembly, a hinge supporting the cutting arm through a pivot, a primary braking system operably connected to the cutting assembly, a safety circuit configured to sense an unsafe condition and, in response to sensing the unsafe condition, control the primary braking system to oppose rotation of a blade supported by the cutting assembly, and a damper system operably connected to the cutting arm, the damper system configured to oppose rotation of the cutting arm when the primary braking system is controlled to oppose rotation of the blade.

Abstract: In a brush cutter (100), when it is determined based on acceleration information including frequency components, supplied from an acceleration sensor (24) included in the brush cutter (100) that the acceleration shows a peak in a range of frequencies lower than 100 Hz, the flow moves to step S5 to amplify the acceleration peak. In next step S6, the acceleration peak is compared with a threshold. When the result of comparison shows that the acceleration peak is higher than the threshold, the flow moves to step S7 to produce a safety signal. The safety signal is output from the controller (26) to a high voltage generation circuit (30) to stop generation of a high voltage in the high voltage generating circuit (30). In this manner, the acceleration sensor (24) is used to detect any unexpected, sudden danger, while diminishing influence of the acceleration caused by vibration inherent to the own nature of the work apparatus, its intended regular operation and its posture change in regular operation.

Abstract: Woodworking machines including cutting tools and motors adapted to drive the cutting tools are disclosed. The machines also include a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between the cutting tool and a person, and a reaction system adapted to perform a specified action upon detection of the dangerous condition. The machines further include a control system adapted to test the operability of at least a portion of the detection system and/or the reaction system. The control system is adapted to disable the motor if the tested portion is inoperable.

Abstract: A detection system for detecting a dangerous condition for an operator using a power tool of the type which has an exposed blade relative to a work surface and a protection system for minimizing, if not eliminating the possibility of a user being injured by contacting the blade. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a proximity detection system is capable of detecting the presence of a user near the blade of a table saw and a protection system that can either retract the blade below the work surface of the table saw or terminate the drive torque to the blade which can result in rapid stopping of the saw blade by a work piece that is being cut.

Abstract: First, second and third sensors 11, 12 and 13 emit electromagnetic waves, receive electromagnetic waves emitted by the first, second and third sensors 11, 12 and 13 and reflected by an object 9 or electromagnetic wave emitted by the object 9 that received the electromagnetic waves emitted by the first, second and third sensors 11, 12 and 13, and specify distances between themselves and the object 9, respectively, based on time differences between emissions and receptions of the electromagnetic waves, and a control section 3 specifies three-dimensional coordinates of the object 9 based on the distances between the respective sensors 11, 12 and 13 and the object 9, determines whether or not the three-dimensional coordinate of the object 9 falls within a predetermined region and stops a motor when the three-dimensional coordinates of the object 9 falls within the region.

Abstract: A power tool in one embodiment includes a work-piece support surface, a swing arm assembly movable along a swing path between a first swing arm position whereat a portion of a shaping device supported by the swing arm assembly extends above the work-piece support surface and a second swing arm position whereat the portion of the shaping device does not extend above the work-piece support surface, a latch hold pivotable between a first latch hold position whereat the swing arm assembly can be supported by the latch hold in the first swing arm position and a second latch hold position whereat the swing arm assembly cannot be supported by the latch hold in the first swing arm position, an actuator chamber configured to receive at least one actuator, an opening in the actuator chamber, and a plug aligned with the opening and connected to the latch hold.

Abstract: A machine tool, in particular a sawing machine, is described, having a work surface (14) for placing a workpiece (16) to be machined and a tool support unit (20) for supporting a tool (18), the tool support unit being supported movably relative to the work surface (14). The machine tool includes a tool operation monitoring device (60) for monitoring a tool range (68) at least during tool operation, the device having an imaging unit (62).

Abstract: An emergency braking system for a machine tool for abruptly braking a revolving shaft includes at least one brake drum and at least one brake shoe which are engaged with one another in order to brake the shaft. The braking intervention between the brake drum and the brake shoe takes place under the influence of a centrifugal force resulting from the rotation of a shaft as soon as a locking device is released. Also provided in the braking system is a diagnostic system which allows the functionality of the locking device to be checked.

Abstract: A machine tool having an emergency braking system for abruptly braking a rotating shaft of the machine tool to protect a user of the machine tool, the emergency braking system having a brake drum that can be forced into engagement with the at least one brake shoe to brake the shaft. The brake drum and the at least one brake shoe are designed and configured in a way that allows the braking engagement therebetween to take place under the influence of a centrifugal force or centrifugal acceleration resulting from the rotation of a shaft.

Abstract: An emergency braking system for abruptly braking a revolving shaft of a machine tool for protecting a user of the machine tool includes a brake drum which may be engaged with at least one brake shoe in order to brake the shaft. The brake drum and the at least one brake shoe are configured in such a way that the braking engagement between the brake drum and the brake shoe takes place under the influence of a centrifugal force or centrifugal acceleration resulting from the rotation of a shaft.

Abstract: A power tool in one embodiment includes a swing arm movable along a swing arm path between an upper first swing arm position and a lower second swing arm position, a latch hold mechanism movable between a first latch hold position adjacent to the swing path and a second latch hold position whereat at least a portion of the latch hold mechanism is within the swing path, an actuator configured to force the swing arm assembly away from the first swing arm position and toward the second swing arm position, a swing arm reset configured to pivot the swing arm from the second swing arm position to the first swing arm position, a latch hold reset configured to pivot the latch hold mechanism from the second latch hold position to the first latch hold position, and a control system configured to control the actuator.

Abstract: A detection system for detecting a dangerous condition for an operator using a power tool of the type which has an exposed blade relative to a work surface and a protection system for minimizing, if not eliminating the possibility of a user being injured by contacting the blade. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a proximity detection system is capable of detecting the presence of a user near the blade of a table saw and a protection system that can either retract the blade below the work surface of the table saw or terminate the drive torque to the blade which can result in rapid stopping of the saw blade by a work piece that is being cut.

Abstract: An emergency braking system for a machine tool, for the abrupt braking of a rotating shaft, including at least one brake drum and at least one brake shoe which are brought into engagement with one another in order to brake the shaft. According to the present system, the system is configured in such a way that the braking engagement between the brake drum and the brake shoe takes place under the influence of a centrifugal force resulting from the rotation of a shaft as soon as a locking device is triggered.

Abstract: In a method for cutting a paper web during movement of the same for generating a plurality of individual sheets for processing by a paper handling plant, the paper web is driven at a high web speed. The cutter is driven to cut the moving paper web into the individual sheets. The paper web can be stopped between successive cuts in a controlled manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine tool monitoring device with an identification unit for identifying the operating situation of a machine tool. According to the invention, the identification unit is designed to identify an operating situation using at least one distance variable.

Abstract: An emergency brake system for abrupt braking of a revolving shaft of a machine tool includes at least one brake drum and at least one brake shoe that are brought into engagement with one another in order to brake the shaft. The braking engagement between the brake drum and brake shoe occurs under the influence of a centrifugal force resulting from rotation of a shaft, the brake system being self-reinforcing, in particular self-locking.

Abstract: A power tool in one embodiment includes a work-piece support surface, a swing arm assembly movable along a swing path between a first swing arm position whereat a portion of a shaping device supported by the swing arm assembly extends above the work-piece support surface and a second swing arm position whereat the portion of the shaping device does not extend above the work-piece support surface, a mechanical fuse positioned to maintain the swing arm assembly in the first swing arm position, an actuator configured to apply a force to the mechanical fuse sufficient to break the mechanical fuse and to force the swing arm assembly away from the first swing arm position and toward the second swing arm position, and a control system configured to actuate the actuator in response to a sensed condition.

Abstract: A manually fed working machine including a working tool, a feeding area in front of the tool, a detector covering at least a section of the feeding area for a contactless detection of human skin, the detector including at least one radiation unit and at least one receiver unit. The at least one radiation unit emitting radiation towards the section of the feeding area, the radiation being emitted with at least two different wavelengths in the wavelength range between 900 nm and 1500 nm, whereas the at least one receiver unit receives the radiation reflected from the section of the feeding area, and a signal evaluation unit connected with the detector calculating the quotients or differences of the intensities of the reflected radiations received by the receiver unit and the at least two different wavelengths emitted from the radiation unit.

Abstract: A safety system prevents cutting machine operators from being accidentally carried through the infeed chute into the machine's cutting mechanism. An operator wears a safety device on his wrist and/or ankle and a sensor array mounts on opposing sides of the cutting machine's infeed chute. The sensor array elements are wound in opposite directions and connect in series opposing. The magnetic field of the safety device induces a current in the sensor array as it moves in the proximity of the sensor array. The safety system generates a signal which is proportional to the sum of the induced currents. When the signal exceeds a threshold, the safety system shuts off power to the feed mechanism and/or the cutting blades of the cutting machine, preventing injury to the operator.

Abstract: Woodworking machines including cutting tools and motors adapted to drive the cutting tools are disclosed. The machines also include a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between the cutting tool and a person, and a reaction system adapted to perform a specified action upon detection of the dangerous condition. The machines further include a control system adapted to test the operability of at least a portion of the detection system and/or the reaction system. The control system is adapted to disable the motor if the tested portion is inoperable.

Abstract: Woodworking machines are disclosed having cutting tools for cutting workpieces. The machines include a detection system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a person and the cutting tool. The machines also include a mechanism having a moveable component adapted to move upon detection of the dangerous condition by the detection system. Movement of the moveable component contributes to one or more of the following actions to mitigate or prevent injury to the person: deceleration of the cutting tool, retraction of the cutting tool, and placement of a barrier over at least a part of the cutting tool. An actuator is adapted to move the moveable component at a high acceleration when the dangerous condition is detected.

Abstract: A machine tool monitoring device having a detection unit, which is configured to detect the presence of a material type in a machine tool work area by spectral analysis of a radiation. The detection unit has a sensor unit having at least one sensitivity region for detecting radiation in a wavelength range that is situated at least partially in the infrared spectrum.

Abstract: Safety system in a portable tool (1) includes a pair of electrodes connected to a measurement and assessment unit, the measurement and assessment unit being an integrated circuit touch sensor device provided with a ground connector and with a sense electrode, wherein the ground connector is configured as internal floating ground connected to one electrode, the measurement and assessment unit configured for acquiring a reference capacity value measured between the two electrodes varies by a preset difference threshold with respect to the reference value, the safety signal being sent to a tool deactivation actuator.

Abstract: Safety systems for power equipment, components, brake cartridges and mounting systems for brake cartridges are disclosed. The safety systems, components, brake cartridges and mounting systems are specifically applicable for woodworking equipment such as saws. A brake cartridge system may include a key adapted to secure the brake cartridge in a power tool, and a bracket configured to receive at least part of the key.

Abstract: A machine tool, in particular a stationary saw, includes a worktable and a safety device which is designed to trigger a reaction as a function of a safety signal, and which includes a signaling device which displays a state of the safety device. The signaling device includes a display which is located on a surface of a worktable and/or above the surface of the worktable.

Abstract: A saw includes a surface defining an opening therein, a plate structure configured to be attached to the saw below the surface, and an arm attached to the plate structure about a first shaft. A blade is configured to be engaged with the arm at a location spaced from the first shaft. The blade extends through the opening when the saw is in a normal operating position. The saw includes a firing mechanism including a barrel end portion having a bore defined therein and an extendable piston at least partially positioned within the bore. The barrel end portion is attached to the plate structure. The extendable piston engages the arm during its extension and causes the arm to pivot about the first shaft when the firing mechanism is activated by an activation signal. The pivoting of the arm causes the blade to be moved downwardly below the surface.

Abstract: Woodworking machines are disclosed having electrically conductive cutting tools adapted to cut workpieces. The machines include a contact detection system capacitively coupled to the cutting tool, and adapted to detect contact between a person and the cutting tool. The machines also include a reaction system configured to cause one or more predetermined actions to take place upon detection of contact between a person and the cutting tool by the contact detection system.

Abstract: An emergency braking system of a machine tool for the abrupt braking of a rotating shaft of the machine tool having at least one brake drum and at least one brake shoe, which are brought into engagement with each other in order to brake the shaft. According to the present system, the brake drum engages with the brake shoe under the influence of a centrifugal force resulting from the rotation of a shaft.

Abstract: A power tool in one embodiment includes a work-piece support surface, a swing arm assembly movable along a swing path between a first swing arm position whereat a portion of a shaping device supported by the swing arm assembly extends above the work-piece support surface and a second swing arm position whereat the portion of the shaping device does not extend above the work-piece support surface, a mechanical fuse positioned to maintain the swing arm assembly in the first swing arm position, an actuator configured to apply a force to the mechanical fuse sufficient to break the mechanical fuse and to force the swing arm assembly away from the first swing arm position and toward the second swing arm position, and a control system configured to actuate the actuator in response to a sensed condition.

Abstract: A safety system for a rotary saw or other dangerous machine tools features a flesh-sensing circuit (14, 19), located on a safety guard (16) surrounding a dangerous machine part, which generates an electronic signal to trigger emergency stopping of the machine before the operator can contact the dangerous machine part. The stopping means preferably employs DC injection, winding current direction reversal and/or electromagnetic motor braking, in the event of detection of operator contact with the safety guarding device. The system is adapted to be used both with newly-manufactured machine tools and by retrofitting onto previously-manufactured machine tools, by in-the-field modifications.

Abstract: A power tool in one embodiment includes a swing arm movable along a swing arm path between an upper first swing arm position and a lower second swing arm position, a latch hold mechanism movable between a first latch hold position adjacent to the swing path and a second latch hold position whereat at least a portion of the latch hold mechanism is within the swing path, an actuator configured to force the swing arm assembly away from the first swing arm position and toward the second swing arm position, a swing arm reset configured to pivot the swing arm from the second swing arm position to the first swing arm position, a latch hold reset configured to pivot the latch hold mechanism from the second latch hold position to the first latch hold position, and a control system configured to control the actuator.

Abstract: A power tool in one embodiment includes a latch hold mechanism, a swing arm pivotable about a pivot along a swing arm path, at least one alignment plate positioned adjacent to a portion of the swing arm when the swing arm is in a first position, a latch pin movable between a first latch pin position whereat the swing arm is biased against the at least one alignment plate and a second latch pin position whereat the swing arm is not biased by the latch pin, an actuating device configured to transfer a force to the swing arm resulting in a bias on the latch pin in a direction toward the second latch pin position, and a control system configured to control the actuating device to transfer a force to the swing arm when the swing arm is maintained at the first swing arm position.

Abstract: A power tool in one embodiment is a table saw which includes a latch hold mechanism, a swing arm movable along a swing arm path between a first position adjacent the latch hold mechanism and a second position spaced apart from the latch hold mechanism, a latch movable between a first position whereat the swing arm is maintained at the first position and a second position whereat the swing arm is not maintained at the first position, an actuating device configured to transfer a force to the swing arm when the swing arm is maintained at the first position, and a control system configured to control the actuating device to transfer a force to the swing arm when the swing arm is maintained at the first position sufficient to move the latch from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A table saw in one embodiment includes a work-piece support surface, a swing arm assembly movable along a swing path between a first swing arm position whereat a portion of a shaping device supported by the swing arm assembly extends above the work-piece support surface and a second swing arm position whereat the portion of the shaping device does not extend above the work-piece support surface, a first ratchet member operatively connected to the swing arm assembly, and a second ratchet member movable between a first ratchet position whereat rotation of the first ratchet member in a first and a second direction is allowed, and a second ratchet position whereat the second ratchet member is engaged with the first ratchet member such that rotation in only the first direction is allowed.

Abstract: Woodworking machines including cutting tools and motors adapted to drive the cutting tools are disclosed. The machines also include a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between the cutting tool and a person, and a reaction system adapted to perform a specified action upon detection of the dangerous condition. The machines further include a control system adapted to test the operability of at least a portion of the detection system and/or the reaction system. The control system is adapted to disable the motor if the tested portion is inoperable.

Abstract: A power tool includes a work-piece support surface, a swing arm assembly movable along a swing path between a first swing arm position whereat a portion of a shaping device supported by the swing arm assembly extends above the work-piece support surface and a second swing arm position whereat the portion of the shaping device does not extend above the work-piece support surface, a latch pin movable between a first position whereat the latch pin is engaged with the swing arm assembly and a second position whereat the latch is not engaged with the swing arm assembly, a pressure operated actuator configured to force the latch pin from the first position to the second position and to force the swing arm assembly away from the first swing arm position and toward the second swing arm position, and a control system configured to actuate the actuator.

Abstract: A power tool in one embodiment includes a work-piece support surface, a swing arm assembly movable along a swing path between a first swing arm position whereat a portion of a shaping device supported by the swing arm assembly extends above the work-piece support surface and a second swing arm position whereat the portion of the shaping device does not extend above the work-piece support surface, a latch hold pivotable between a first latch hold position whereat the swing arm assembly can be supported by the latch hold in the first swing arm position and a second latch hold position whereat the swing arm assembly cannot be supported by the latch hold in the first swing arm position, an actuator chamber configured to receive at least one actuator, an opening in the actuator chamber, and a plug aligned with the opening and connected to the latch hold.

Abstract: A table saw in one embodiment includes a swing arm assembly movable along a swing path between a first swing arm position whereat a portion of a shaping device supported by the swing arm assembly extends above a work-piece support surface and a second swing arm position, a first link arm with a first tracking component and a first slot, the first tracking component slidingly engaged with the swing arm assembly, a second link arm with a second tracking component engaged with the first slot, an actuator configured to pivot the second link arm from a first position whereat force from the first link arm acting on the tracking component is directed at a second link arm pivot toward a second position whereat the force is not directed at the second link arm pivot, and a control system configured to actuate the actuator in response to a sensed condition.