Abstract: A cycle of operation of an attaching apparatus begins with determining whether an operator's extremity is in an area in which it can be struck by a downwardly moving ram during attachment of two fasteners to each other and to a material therebetween. If it is determined that the operator's extremity is not in the area in which it can be struck by the downwardly moving ram, the remainder of the cycle of operation is completed. If it is determined that the operator's extremity is in the area in which it can be struck by the downwardly moving ram, the cycle of operation must begin again.

Abstract: A safety device for a power saw, such as a miter saw, includes an interference stop mounted on the frame or other support of the saw. The stop prevents a lower pivotal blade guard of the saw from being pushed away from a covering relationship with respect to the saw blade when the saw is moved from a "cutting" position to a fully raised "home" position, thereby preventing accidental exposure of the saw blade.

Abstract: An arbor lock mechanism for use with an arbor of a table saw. The mechanism includes a bearing plate connected to the frame of the table saw and through which the arbor rotates. The mechanism also includes an arbor lock plate connected to the bearing plate and having an upper pivot hole, a central hole and a lower arcuate slot. The central hole includes a lower section through which the arbor extends and rotates and an upper section that has flat edges to secure the arbor in a locked position. The arbor lock plate includes lift portion to move the plate between an open position, where the arbor rotates, and a locked position that secures the arbor.

Abstract: A paper cutter having a paper stand, a pair of arms of identical length attached to the paper stand defining a contacting position and a separating position, a guide rail connected to the pair of arms such that the guide rail is parallel to the paper stand, a slider slidably attached to the guide rail. The slider has a rotary blade fixed on a holder, the blade being capable of being moved up and down within the slider against a spring, the blade exposed by being pushed down when the slider is in the contacting position, and a stopper, with a top end and a heavy end, which rotates automatically on a shaft due to its heavy end, hooking the top end on a projection provided on the slider to prevent the rotary blade from being projected from the slider when the guide rail is rotated to the other than the contacting position.

Abstract: A food slicing machine including a housing and a disc-shaped knife which is mounted for rotation on the housing. An adjusting device moves a stop plate relative to the cutting plane of the knife to set the slice thickness. A food carriage reciprocates adjacent the knife and is pivotable between a slice cutting position and a fully retracted position. A locking disc is connected to the adjusting device and includes a slot of uniform width extending from the periphery in a generally radial direction. A locking element which is slightly smaller than the slot is arranged to enter the slot responsive to pivoting of the carriage out of the slice cutting position. Upon setting the adjusting device to a slice thickness of zero, the slot is aligned with the locking element. A relatively small amount of pivoting of the carriage from the slice cutting position toward the fully retracted position causes the locking element to enter the slot and prevent substantial rotation of the adjusting device in either direction.

Abstract: The invention is a novel power tool with an ambidextrous lock-out mechanism to prevent unintended actuation of a power switch operatively associated with a motor that operates the power tool. The lock-out mechanism has a first unlocking means located to be conveniently operated by the thumb of a right hand and a second actuating means located to be conveniently operated by the thumb of a left hand, both of said first and second unlocking means capable of unlocking the power switch by inactuating the power switch lock mechanism in order to release the power switch and allow operation of the power tool.

Abstract: A cutting tool including a base having a turntable pivotally mounted on the base for movement about a vertical axis, a support member mounted on the turntable, and a saw arm mounted on the support member for pivotal movement about an axis between cutting and non-cutting positions. The saw arm has a saw blade including a lower portion. The saw blade is mounted for rotation about an arbor axis. A lower blade guard is supported on the saw arm for pivotal movement about the arbor axis between a surround position wherein the lower blade guard surrounds the lower portion of the saw blade and a non-surround position wherein the lower portion of the saw blade is exposed for cutting. The cutting tool also includes a cam plate mounted on the saw arm, and a cam follower mounted on the support member such that movement of the saw arm between the non-cutting position and the cutting position causes pivotal movement of the lower blade guard between the surround position and the non-surround position.

Abstract: A machine for manufacturing a cushioning product starting from a multi-ply stock (R) material or the like includes a frame (12) having a housing (14) with an exit opening, a stock supply supported by the frame, a forming assembly (28) causing the lateral edges of the stock material to roll inwardly to form a continuous strip (36) having lateral pillow-like portions and a central band, a gear assembly (34) for feeding the stock material through the forming assembly and out the exit opening, a cutting assembly (26) intermediate the gear assembly and the exit opening for cutting a determined length of the continuous strip to produce a cushioning product and, an access assembly (46) for permitting the cushioning product to be fed therethrough and inhibiting access to the cutting assembly from outside the housing.

Abstract: A bifurcated holdown shoe for radial arm saw mounted to the saw guard of the radial arm saw such that the lower surface of the holdown shoe is mounted at a distance above the radial arm saw saw table corresponding to the height of a work piece to pass underneath the holdown shoe and be cut by the radial arm saw. The holdown shoe includes an arm portion which is bifurcated into two arms separated by a channel. A portion of the saw blade is held within the channel. The holdown shoe holds a work piece vertically steady against the saw table immediately adjacent the saw blade during a rip-cut, thus reducing the occurrence of kick-back.

Abstract: The chain of an electromotive chain saw is quickly stopped by the combined use of an electric brake and a mechanical brake when a trigger member is turned off. The rear end of a brake band disposed to tighten a brake drum by operating a hand guard is secured to a bent rod. When the trigger member is released, the brake band is normally tightened around the outer periphery of a brake drum by the urging force of a coil spring. When the trigger member is released, a circuit provided with a brake winding is closed, thereby applying a dynamic braking force. When the dynamic brake force is applied, a centrifugal clutch is released quickly and the speed of stopping the brake drum is accelerated.

Abstract: A shingle cutter for cutting a substantially straight even edge on a shingle includes a base with a work surface for supporting the shingle during cutting. A blade with a substantially straight cutting edge and a handle is pivotally attached to the base. The pivotal attachment includes a bearing and a lock nut disposed on a threaded rod or pivot arm, which keeps the blade tight against a support member recessed in the base. A guide member having a raised edge is positioned on the work surface of the base for aligning the shingle to be cut. The blade and the support member are formed of an angled piece of material for providing additional strength while cutting through the thickness of the shingle. The base is attached to legs for elevating the base above a supporting surface. A pad, which may be formed of a non-skid material, is attached to the legs for preventing the shingle cutter from sliding down the roof.

Abstract: Device for cutting sheets of material, with a counter (12) for the material to rest on, a blade to cut the material, and a holdfast (11) that can be lowered onto the material by a mechanism (10) and raised off it by a spring (6). When the spring in such a device breaks, the holdfast can drop and injure the operator. The object is to prevent such injuries. An interceptor (7, 8, & 9) accordingly brakes the holdfast when the spring that raises it is broken.

Abstract: An interlock mechanism for a food product slicer that prevents the carriage support of a reciprocating carriage from being removed from the slicer housing unless the gauge plate of the slicer is closed and the carriage is positioned along a predetermined portion of the path of reciprocation of the carriage. The interlock mechanism includes a pivoting interlock plate and a stationary interlock bar. The pivoting interlock plate extends along the predetermined portion of the reciprocation path and the stationary interlock bar extends along the rest of the carriage's reciprocation path. The interlock plate is pivotally mounted on the housing and is movable from a blocking position, which it blocks pivoting and removal of a carriage support, to a free position, which it permits pivoting and removal of the carriage support.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling energization of an appliance motor are described. The apparatus, in one embodiment, may include a condition responsive switch secured within an appliance motor casing to control the energization of the appliance motor windings. In one mode of operation, the condition responsive switch substantially prevents energization of the motor windings if at least one attachment has not been substantially properly secured to the appliance, and the switch substantially properly secured to the appliance.

Abstract: A safety system for a wood chipper having an elongated delivery chute into which a person would load tree branches, limbs and tree trunks. A metal sensor is mounted in the chute intermediate its front and rear ends and is oriented to detect any metal passing through the passageway of the chute. A gate is mounted inside the chute and it is normally in an open position. The gate is located at a position between the metal sensor and the rear of the chute. When the metal sensor detects metal passing by it sends a signal to a hydraulic cylinder that rapidly closes the gate to block the passage way of the chute. The system requires that the person loading the material into the chute wear a pair of metal impregnated gloves. Some wood chippers have rollers mounted adjacent the rear end of the chute for pulling the tree branches, limbs and tree trunks into the inlet port of the housing containing rotating cutting blades.

Abstract: A roller die cutting machine includes a base having a drive roller assembly generally centered thereon between opposing side edges. A first table is located between the drive roller assembly and the first side edge to support a die assembly, and a second table is supported on the base opposite the first table to support a die assembly. A crank is connected through a set of gears to the pressure roller to rotate the pressure roller and to draw a die assembly through the drive roller assembly, to thereby cut stock positioned on the die assembly. A cover on the drive roller assembly includes a pair of inwardly projecting lips which will contact the pressure roller and produce an audible sound as a consumer's hand approaches the cutting location of the pressure roller.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective operator's station from which a machine operator may safely and effectively remotely control the various operations of a machine that may create flying debris. The invention includes a control panel mounted to an adjustable base, such as a tripod with extensible legs. The invention also includes one or more shields to protect the machine operator from flying debris. A substantially transparent shield is provided to protect the upper body and head of a machine operator without substantially impairing the operator's vision. A flexible lower shield or skirt may be provided to protect the lower body of the operator. In an alternative embodiment, the control panel, including one or more shields, may be secured to the body of the machine operator using a harness. The invention also relates to an improved remotely controlled stump cutter having a protective operator's station.

Abstract: A slicing machine in which the clamping device for pressing the product on the slicing machine carriage toward the stop plate is provided with a device for inactivating the blade motor and the drive for the stop plate so that, when the clamping device is in its upper inoperative position, the blade motor is deactivated and the stop plate is brought into the plane of the blade or forwardly thereof to prevent injury to an operator.

Abstract: A portable, hydraulically operated punch-die unit for fastening together sheet metal members without the use of separate fasteners. The unit is used in a hydraulic system utilizing a two-stage high pressure hydraulic pump having a retractor valve arrangement which allows the punch to be driven at high pressure and then retracted by generation of a vacuum. This eliminates the complexity of other ways of retracting the hydraulically driven punch, and the simplicity of the unit and the relatively few number of parts that comprise it, allow the unit to be made small and lightweight and thus easily handled.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for bringing a cutting die into engagement with a workpiece such as leather, the apparatus includes first and second plates secured to C-shaped frame members and a platen for supporting the workpiece that is movable relative to the second plate upon inflation of a bladder secured to the periphery of the second plate upon actuation of first and second valves connected between a source of pressurized air and the bladder.

Abstract: Presented is a hardware insertion press of the type for insertion of fasteners in sheet metal. The press incorporates both operator and tool protection systems that prevent the operator from being injured during use of the press, and which prevent the tool from being damaged by misalignment of a fastener in relation to the workpiece to which the fastener is intended to be fastened. For operator safety, the press is equipped so that the ram will retract if the tool encounters a part of the operator's body, such as a hand or finger. For tool protection the press incorporates mechanisms that define the press "window" so that a misaligned fastener encountered out of the range of the press window will cause the ram to be interrupted in its movement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a guard which covers the periphery of the blade during use and is axially displaceable a limited distance to allow access to the rear of the blade to facilitate cleaning. The guard is mounted on the slicing machine in a fashion which prevents its removal except under condition in which the blade itself is first removed.

Abstract: An operating handle for a cutting device includes a handle body adapted to be mounted securely on the saw carrier of the device; a switch installed on the handle body and adapted to be activated to drive a cutting saw carried by the carrier; a trigger member mounted swingably on the handle body; a switch driving piece mounted swingably on the handle body and biased to locate at a predetermined position adjacent to the trigger member, the trigger member being capable of being rotated in a first direction so as to rotate the switch driving piece in a second direction opposite to the first direction, thereby activating the switch to drive the saw; and a lock unit releasably locking the switch driving piece on the handle body to prevent the switch driving piece from rotation in the second direction.

Abstract: Erroneous cutting prevention scissors include an operating member having a shearing blade, another operating member having a receiving portion provided in a closable and separable manner with respect to the shearing blade, and a detecting element for detecting a live condition of an electric wire when the shearing blade is in contact with a conductor of the electric wire. A solenoid is provided which is excited when the detecting means detects the live condition of the electric wire. A first latch mechanism operated by the solenoid is provided on the first operating member, and a second latch mechanism is provided on the other operating member.

Abstract: A traversing circular saw device comprising a saw blade assembly mounted onto a cradle to receive a number of logs to be cut into sections. The saw blade assembly comprises a circular saw blade mounted onto an extension arm which is contained within a pivoting arm sleeve. The width of the cradle is greater than the diameter of the saw blade. The saw blade is pivoted down into the cradle by a first piston, and the blade is then extended across the cradle by a second piston.

Abstract: An object is to provide a coating removing apparatus and method in which it is not necessary to adjust the distance between edges of two, upper and lower, blades. An apparatus for removing a coating from a coated linear material, in which the upper blade is arranged so as to be brought into contact with the coating layer of the coated linear material, by its own weight, with a width in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the coated linear material.

Abstract: A safety guard system for a band saw that comprises a flexible member and a sensor for deactivating the band saw when the flexible member is not deployed correctly. The flexible member has a resting position and a sawing position. In both positions, the flexible member provides a protective barrier between the band saw user and the band saw blade. The flexible member automatically adjusts by flexing to accommodate different sized work pieces.

Abstract: A radial saw with independently and jointly operable saw blade guards is disclosed. The independently and jointly operable saw blade guards include an upper blade guard mounted in fixed position relative to a yoke that depends from a supporting arm, the upper blade guard covering at least approximately an upper half of a motor driven saw blade that is mounted on the yoke. A lower rear blade guard is pivotally mounted to the upper blade guard and is configured to cover a lower half rear area on at least one side of the motor driven saw blade, and a lower front blade guard is independently pivotally mounted to the upper blade guard and configured to cover a lower front half area on at least one side of the motor driven saw blade guard. The lower rear blade guard and lower front blade guard are independently and jointly operable and telescopically movable with respect to one another.

Abstract: In a ram locking device for securing the ram of a chipless forming machine, more particularly a heavy press, wherein the tool-carrying ram, movable up and down in the press frame relative to the bed of the press, is supported by the head of an axially adjustable tension rod, the unlocking, more particularly the release of the tension rod, is improved if the tension rod is statically cushioned and is automatically pressure-relieved as the release begins.

Abstract: A saw includes a mounting arm or linear slide area, a carriage mounted on the arm for linear movement in first and second directions along the arm or slide area, a saw blade mounted on the carriage for rotational movement relative to the carriage about an axis of rotation extending in a direction transverse to the linear direction of travel of the carriage, and power means adapted to rotate the saw blade about the axis of rotation for carrying out a sawing operation. A kick-preventing apparatus, which may be produced as a retrofittable device, is provided for limiting the maximum speed at which the carriage may be moved in the first direction to a predetermined speed, the kick-preventing means permitting the carriage to be moved in the first direction at any speed equal to or less than the predetermined speed while preventing the carriage from kicking along the arm or slide in the first direction at a speed greater than the predetermined speed.

Abstract: An adjustable protecting guard apparatus for a table saw having a guard positionable over the saw blade. The adjustable protection guard apparatus has a telescoping arm extending from one end of the saw table which supports a guard superstructure. A hinged connection on an edge of the guard superstructure permits the guard superstructure and the attached guard to pivot up and away from the saw blade. A control module simultaneously deactivates the motor rotating the saw blade with the pivoting of the guard superstructure. The control module has a multi-position key switch having a by-pass position permitting pivoting of the guard without de-energizing the motor. This permits difficult cuts to be made which would not be feasible with the guard in place. An anti-kickback pawl is also provided within the guard and prevents the saw from rejecting a workpiece in a direction opposite to its feed direction.

Abstract: A compact apparatus for severing and removing tie wraps after their installation consists of a cap, a base, a button having a cutting blade mounted for reciprocating motion therein and springs for returning the button to its original position after operation. A tie wrap is passed through the device prior to being secured. The tie wrap is severed by manually reciprocating the blade.

Abstract: A strip of acetate of a selected length is cut from a ribbon of acetate by a heated cutting wire after the strip has a middle portion clamped between two pairs of fingers. A first outer portion of the strip is then folded beneath the middle portion of the strip at an angle thereto and adjacent thereto after which a second outer portion of the strip is folded at an angle to both the first outer portion and the middle portion and adjacent the first outer portion. The folded portions of the strip are held in the folded relationship as the fingers are advanced to an attaching apparatus at which the portions of the strip are attached to each other to form a bow and to a garment. Activation of the attaching apparatus is prevented if the operator has an extremity disposed in an area where the extremity will be struck by a portion of the attaching apparatus during activation of the attaching apparatus.

Abstract: A radial arm saw guard with operational interlock and adjustable outfeed user barrier is disclosed. The radial saw includes a motor driven saw blade that is mounted on a yoke depending from a supporting arm that overhangs a worktable. The motor driven saw blade is movable relative to a worktable mounted fence in order to enable the motor driven saw blade to be operated for rip cutting of workpieces longitudinally relative to the fence and for cross cutting transverse relative to the fence. A blade guard is mounted in fixed position relative to the yoke for covering at least approximately an upper half of the motor driven saw blade. An adjustable outfeed user barrier is mounted to the upper blade guard for operation between an upper disengaged position exposing the motor driven saw blade and a lower engaged position covering an outfeed end of the motor driven saw blade to protect a user during rip cutting.

Abstract: A radial saw with safety guards and barriers for rip cutting and cross cutting of workpieces is disclosed. The radial saw includes a motor driven saw blade that is mounted on the supporting arm which overhangs a worktable. The motor driven saw blade is movable relative to a worktable mounted rip fence to enable the motor driven saw blade to be operated for rip cutting workpieces longitudinally along the length of the rip fence and for cross cutting workpieces transverse to the rip fence. An upper blade guard is mounted in fixed position relative to a yoke depending from the supporting arm for covering approximately an upper half of the motor driven saw blade. A lower blade guard depends from the upper blade guard and substantially covers approximately the lower half of the motor driven saw blade when resting on the worktable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cutting machine the blade of which is controlled to slide up and down for cutting a stack of cloth by means of an induction produced through the contact of an inductive handle of the machine with an operator's hand. The sensitive contact and induction control manner permits an operator to easily, safely and efficiently start, stop, and resume the sliding movement of the blade without the need to repeatedly switch on or off the cutting machine.

Abstract: A safety control system for power operated equipment which ensures operator safety by immediately disconnecting the power drive from a power driven rotating member, such as a toothed feed shaft of a meat skinning machine or a moving blade of a band saw, and then positively stops and then reverses the direction of movement of the rotating member, upon a metal conductive glove worn by the operator, contacting the blade or toothed shaft. The operator's glove is electrically connected to a safety mechanism and upon the glove completing a circuit upon contact with the rotating member or equipment immediately disconnects the power drive from the rotating member by actuating a clutch or tensioning cylinder. A trigger mechanism then is actuated and permits a positive stopping element to engage and stop the moving element.

Abstract: A safe lift device for a slicing machine as provided which enables at least a portion of the slicing machine to be raised from the table or counter upon which it rests. Intermediate the two legs to be raised, a retention leg is pivotally attached to the slicing machine. Also connected to the slicing machine and the retention leg is a lever arm assembly. As the lever arm is raised, the retention leg descends toward the table or counter. Continued raising of the lever arm causes the retention leg to exert a downward force on the table, and thus an upward force on the slicing machine. A ratchet and pawl mechanism connected to the retention leg and the lever arm assembly allows the user to lock the lever arm while the slicing machine is in a raised position thus preventing the slicing machine from falling. A safety switch disenables the motor driving the slicing knife as soon as the machine is lifted approximately one inch or more.

Abstract: A slicing machine has a housing, a rotatable blade on the housing having an edge defining a blade plane, and an input table on the housing displaceable parallel to the plane past the blade edge and having a holder adapted to hold a foodstuff to be sliced by the blade. The foodstuff is movable from a starting position by the table and holder toward the blade to slice the foodstuff. An abutment plate on the housing is displaceable between a shield position lying generally on the blade plane and a retracted position offset away from the table from the blade plane. An actuator connected between the housing and the plate sets the plate in its positions. A sensor generates an output when the foodstuff is moved out of the starting position. A control unit connected between the sensor and the actuator displaces the plate out of the shield position when the output is generated.

Abstract: A temporary cover for the slicing knife of a slicing machine which is preferably fabricated from a plastic material. The cover includes a substantially circular cover section having a flange extending from the peripheral edge of the cover section. The flange is dimensioned such that it surrounds and shields the cutting edge of the slicing knife from inadvertent contact. The cover further includes a retention pin and a spring-loaded retractable plunger which removably retains the cover to the slicing knife. Preferably, the cover also includes at least one handle which assists in installing and removing the cover from the slicing knife, as well as indicia for providing proper rotational orientation of the cover in relation to the slicing machine.

Abstract: A power miter box includes a power driven blade which is lowered onto a workpiece. A main switch must be actuated manually by an operator to drive the blade. A separate safety switch operates to prevent the blade from being driven until it has been lowered onto the workpiece. The safety switch is operated by relative movement occurring between two guard members which encompass the blade.

Abstract: An adjustable protecting guard apparatus for a table saw having a guard positionable over the saw blade. The adjustable protection guard apparatus has a telescoping arm extending from one end of the saw table which supports a guard superstructure. A hinged connection on an edge of the guard superstructure permits the guard superstructure and the attached guard to pivot up and away from the saw blade. A control module simultaneously deactivates the motor rotating the saw blade with the pivoting of the guard superstructure. The control module has a multi-position key switch having a by-pass position permitting pivoting of the guard without de-energizing the motor. This permits difficult cuts to be made which would not be feasible with the guard in place. An anti-kickback pawl is also provided within the guard and prevents the saw from rejecting a workpiece in a direction opposite to its feed direction.

Abstract: A power table tool having an outlet port positioned relative to the cutting member of the tool so that the dust and other debris generated by the cutting member can be removed from the interior of the tool assembly through an exhaust system. A guard member is provided for the outlet port to prevent insertion of extraneous matter into the interior of the tool as well as to protect the outlet from clogging as a result of the removal of the sawdust and other debris from the interior. The guard member is structured in a manner such that the area of the openings presented in the guard member is greater than about 100% of the area of the outlet port itself. The port is specifically aligned relative to the cutting member in order to enhance the removal of the sawdust and debris from the interior of the tool.

Abstract: A saw includes a mounting arm or linear slide area, a carriage mounted on the arm for linear movement in first and second directions along the arm or slide area, a saw blade mounted on the carriage for rotational movement relative to the carriage about an axis of rotation extending in a direction transverse to the linear direction of travel of the carriage, and power means adapted to rotate the saw blade about the axis of rotation for carrying out a sawing operation. A kick-preventing apparatus, which may be produced as a retrofittable device, is provided for limiting the maximum speed at which the carriage may be moved in the first direction to a predetermined speed, the kick-preventing means permitting the carriage to be moved in the first direction at any speed equal to or less than the predetermined speed while preventing the carriage from kicking along the arm or slide in the first direction at a speed greater than the predetermined speed.

Abstract: A trimming apparatus for edge trimming books including a trimmer knife assembly and a conveying apparatus for conveying the books along a path of movement into aligned relationship with the trimmer knife assembly. The conveying apparatus includes a pair of horizontally extending endless conveyor chains positioned in parallel on adjacent sides of the path of movement and including outwardly extending pusher members for engaging longitudinal edges of the books and moving them along the path of movement. A pair of vertically extending guide members are positioned laterally outwardly of the endless chains for engaging the ends of the books and moving them into proper lateral alignment with the path of movement.

Abstract: This invention provides a safety device for powered machinery comprising a conventional wire mesh safety glove adapted for wearing by the machine operator. The machine with which it is used has a grounded frame, an electrical motor, a control switch, with the electrical motor being connected to a source of electrical energy through the control switch. A control safety circuit connects the electro conducting wire mesh safety glove and by-passes the conventional control switch for the machine which is in turn connected to the motor of the machine. The safety circuit includes a circuit breaking means, preferably a relay, whereby the relay will open and deprive the motor from electrical power whenever the wire mesh glove comes in contact with the grounded frame of the machine. An alternate form of the invention connects the wire mesh glove of the operator to the antenna of a radio transmitter worn by the operator.

Abstract: A chop saw arrangement having an improved lower blade guard pivoting mechanism. An upper safety guard is pivotally supported to a hinging member, and a circular saw blade is rotatably supported to the upper safety guard. A collar is attached to the upper safety guard, and a swingable arm pivotally connected to a supporting arm has a cam portion engageable with the collar. Angular position of the swingable arm is defined by the abutment between the cam and the collar. The swingable arm has an end portion pivotally connected to one end of a link member whose other end is pivotally connected to a lower blade guard. The lower blade guard is pivotally supported to the upper safety guard coaxially with the circular saw blade. Angular position of the lower blade guard is defined by the pivotal movement of the swingable arm through the link member.

Abstract: A radial arm saw includes a mounting arm having a carriage mounted thereon for linear movement. A handle is also mounted on the arm and carries out movement of the carriage. The handle is movable relative to the carriage through a limited range of movement when an operating force is exerted on the handle, but at least a portion of the operating force is transmitted to the carriage. A speed control assembly limits the maximum speed at which the carriage may be moved in the radially outward direction to the speed of the handle, the speed control assembly preventing movement of the carriage in the first direction at a speed greater than the speed of the handle. The speed control assembly is driven by a shunting assembly which also establishes the maximum speed at which the speed control assembly permits the carriage to be moved radially outward.

Abstract: A palm button switch apparatus includes a housing, a solid palm button fixedly mounted on the housing, a guard fixedly mounted on the housing and surrounding the periphery of the palm button. A bore extends through the housing and into the palm button. The bore has an open first end and a second end covered by the palm button. A proximity switch having a sensing end is mounted in the bore with the sensing end disposed in proximity with the palm button for detecting the presence of an operator's fingers on the palm button. The housing, the palm button and the guard are integrally formed as a one-piece unit from a molded plastic.

Abstract: A chain saw safety switch mounted in combination with a chain braking mechanism such that, when chain braking is initiated, both the chain motion about a chain guide bar and motor operation are automatically stopped. The safety switch according to one embodiment of the invention is mounted to the safety guard of the chain braking mechanism in a position such that it may be rendered operable by either a selective action of the saw operator or by the operator's reaction response to a hazardous operating condition. In either case, the safety switch effects short-circuiting of the motor ignition to stop all motor operation while at the same instant, the safety guard effects stoppage of the cutting chain motion about the chain guide bar. Alternatively, the safety switch is mounted in conjunction with the movable safety guard such that short-circuiting of the motor ignition is effected through the chain braking mechanism.