Patents Assigned to Power Tool Institute
-
Patent number: 10632642Abstract: 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, 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: POWER TOOL INSTITUTEInventors: Andy Butler, Brian Lamb, Chris Tacklind, Clinton Lazzari, Edward Cooper, Eric Edward Schultz, Frank Buhrmann, John Gilbert, David Titzler, William Scott, Peter Domeny
-
Patent number: 9522475Abstract: In various embodiments, a saw can include a work surface and a blade at least partially extending through the work surface. In at least one embodiment, the saw can further include a sensor and a light emitter, wherein the light emitter can be configured to emit a first light beam and a second light beam onto at least a portion of the work surface. In various embodiments, the sensor can be can be configured to detect a plurality of saw conditions and, owing to communication between the sensor and the light emitter, the light emitter can be configured to emit the first light beam onto the work surface when the sensor detects a first saw condition and emit the second light beam onto the work surface when the sensor detects a second saw condition.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2013Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: POWER TOOL INSTITUTEInventors: David V. Keller, Mark D. Hickok, Peter L. Domeny, Thornton H. Gogoll, III, David G. Peot, Stan M. Rodrigues, Christopher S. Tennant
-
Patent number: 9381667Abstract: In at least one form of the invention, a clamp can be used to attach a saw accessory to a saw. In various embodiments, the clamp can comprise first and second clamping members, an actuator, and a controller. In various embodiments, the saw accessory can be disposed between the first and second clamping members where at least one of the first and second clamping members can be moved by the actuator in order to clamp the saw accessory therebetween. In at least one such embodiment, the controller can be in electrical and/or fluid communication with the actuator to activate the actuator. In various embodiments, the controller can be activated by an operator from a location proximate to the operator but remote from a blade of the saw.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2011Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: Power Tool InstituteInventors: David V. Keller, Mark D. Hickok, Peter L. Domeny, Thornton H. Gogoll, III, David G. Peot, Stan M. Rodrigues, Christopher S. Tennant
-
Patent number: 8919231Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2009Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Power Tool InstituteInventors: Andy Butler, Brian Lamb, Chris Tacklind, Clinton Lazzari, Edward Cooper, Eric Edward Schultz, Frank Buhrmann, John Gilbert, David Titzler, William Scott, Peter L. Domeny
-
Patent number: 8534174Abstract: A pyrotechnic actuator for a power cutting tool is disclosed. The pyrotechnic actuator comprises a housing defining a cavity therein, a piston positioned at least partially within the cavity, and an insert-molded unitary assembly positioned within the cavity. The unitary assembly comprises a piston engagement member and a base. A sealed void is defined intermediate the piston engagement member and the base. The unitary assembly comprises a breakable member extending intermediate the piston engagement member and the base and a pyrotechnic initiator positioned at least partially within the base. The pyrotechnic initiator, upon application of a current pulse thereto, is configured to generate a pressurized gas in the sealed void that exerts a force on the piston engagement member and breaks the breakable member thereby causing the piston engagement member and the piston to move relative to the base and the housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2010Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Power Tool InstituteInventors: Eishi Kajita, Vahan Avetisian, Abrar Tirmizi
-
Patent number: 8479627Abstract: In various embodiments, a saw can include a work surface and a blade at least partially extending through the work surface. In at least one embodiment, the saw can further include a sensor and a light emitter, wherein the light emitter can be configured to emit a first light beam and a second light beam onto at least a portion of the work surface. In various embodiments, the sensor can be can be configured to detect a plurality of saw conditions and, owing to communication between the sensor and the light emitter, the light emitter can be configured to emit the first light beam onto the work surface when the sensor detects a first saw condition and emit the second light beam onto the work surface when the sensor detects a second saw condition.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2011Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Power Tool InstituteInventors: David V. Keller, Mark D. Hickok, Peter L. Domeny, Thornton H. Gogoll, III, David G. Peot, Stan M. Rodrigues, Christopher S. Tennant
-
Publication number: 20130152753Abstract: A pyrotechnic actuator for a power cutting tool is disclosed. The pyrotechnic actuator comprises a housing defining a cavity therein, a piston positioned at least partially within the cavity, and an insert-molded unitary assembly positioned within the cavity. The unitary assembly comprises a piston engagement member and a base. A sealed void is defined intermediate the piston engagement member and the base. The unitary assembly comprises a breakable member extending intermediate the piston engagement member and the base and a pyrotechnic initiator positioned at least partially within the base. The pyrotechnic initiator, upon application of a current pulse thereto, is configured to generate a pressurized gas in the sealed void that exerts a force on the piston engagement member and breaks the breakable member thereby causing the piston engagement member and the piston to move relative to the base and the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2010Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: Power Tool InstituteInventors: Eishi Kajita, Vahan Avetisian, Abrar Tirmizi
-
Patent number: 8424429Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2011Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Power Tool InstituteInventors: William R. Knapp, Jean-Pierre Krauer, Wilfred H. Anderson, Kyle L. Petrich, Jeffrey Y. Hayashida, Helen J. Yoo
-
Patent number: 8186253Abstract: Power tool includes a movable blade and a detection system for detecting contact between the blade and an object. Detection system includes an excitation plate capacitively coupling the drive signal to the movable blade. A circuit generates an in-phase component signal and a quadrature component signal from a blade current signal indicative of the instantaneous current drawn by the movable blade and calculates an energy of the blade current signal considering the in-phase and the quadrature components. The circuit compares the energy of the blade current signal to an adaptive trigger threshold to detect contact between the blade and the object based on whether the energy of the blade current signal is greater than the adaptive trigger threshold.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2010Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Power Tool InstituteInventors: Vladimir Tetelbaum, Darius Mostowfi, Richard Suprenant
-
Publication number: 20120067186Abstract: In various embodiments, a saw can include a work surface and a blade at least partially extending through the work surface. In at least one embodiment, the saw can further include a sensor and a light emitter, wherein the light emitter can be configured to emit a first light beam and a second light beam onto at least a portion of the work surface. In various embodiments, the sensor can be can be configured to detect a plurality of saw conditions and, owing to communication between the sensor and the light emitter, the light emitter can be configured to emit the first light beam onto the work surface when the sensor detects a first saw condition and emit the second light beam onto the work surface when the sensor detects a second saw condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: Power Tool InstituteInventors: David V. Keller, Mark D. Hickok, Peter L. Domeny, Thornton H. Gogoll, III, David G. Peot, Stan M. Rodrigues, Christopher S. Tennant
-
Publication number: 20120060661Abstract: In at least one form of the invention, a clamp can be used to attach a saw accessory to a saw. In various embodiments, the clamp can comprise first and second clamping members, an actuator, and a controller. In various embodiments, the saw accessory can be disposed between the first and second clamping members where at least one of the first and second clamping members can be moved by the actuator in order to clamp the saw accessory therebetween. In at least one such embodiment, the controller can be in electrical and/or fluid communication with the actuator to activate the actuator. In various embodiments, the controller can be activated by an operator from a location proximate to the operator but remote from a blade of the saw.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: Power Tool InstituteInventors: David V. Keller, Mark D. Hickok, Peter L. Domeny, Thornton H. Gogoll, III, David G. Peot, Stan M. Rodrigues, Christopher S. Tennant
-
Patent number: 8122798Abstract: A power cutting tool includes a cutting surface, a conductive structure, and first electrode matrix comprising an array of electrical conductors. A moveable blade used to cut an object is located on the cutting surface. When at least one electrical conductor of the first electrode matrix is energized relative to the conductive structure, an electric field extends between the at least one electrical conductor and the conductive matrix to detect the presence of an object in proximity to the electric field.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2009Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Power Tool InstituteInventors: David Shafer, David Titzler, John Gilbert
-
Patent number: 8091456Abstract: In various embodiments, a saw can include a work surface and a blade at least partially extending through the work surface. In at least one embodiment, the saw can further include a sensor and a light emitter, wherein the light emitter can be configured to emit a first light beam and a second light beam onto at least a portion of the work surface. In various embodiments, the sensor can be can be configured to detect a plurality of saw conditions and, owing to communication between the sensor and the light emitter, the light emitter can be configured to emit the first light beam onto the work surface when the sensor detects a first saw condition and emit the second light beam onto the work surface when the sensor detects a second saw condition.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2008Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Power Tool InstituteInventors: David V. Keller, Mark D. Hickok, Peter L. Domeny, Thornton H. Gogoll, III, David G. Peot, Stan M. Rodrigues, Christopher S. Tennant
-
Patent number: 8082826Abstract: In at least one form of the invention, a clamp can be used to attach a saw accessory to a saw. In various embodiments, the clamp can comprise first and second clamping members, an actuator, and a controller. In various embodiments, the saw accessory can be disposed between the first and second clamping members where at least one of the first and second clamping members can be moved by the actuator in order to clamp the saw accessory therebetween. In at least one such embodiment, the controller can be in electrical and/or fluid communication with the actuator to activate the actuator. In various embodiments, the controller can be activated by an operator from a location proximate to the operator but remote from a blade of the saw.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2008Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Power Tool InstituteInventors: David V. Keller, Mark D. Hickok, Peter L. Domeny, Thornton H. Gogoll, III, David G. Peot, Stan M. Rodrigues, Christopher S. Tennant
-
Patent number: 8074546Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2009Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Power Tool InstituteInventors: William R. Knapp, Jean-Pierre Krauer, Wilfred H. Anderson, Kyle L. Petrich, Jeffrey Y. Hayashida, Helen J. Yoo
-
Publication number: 20110226105Abstract: Various safety systems for power tools, and in particular table saws, are disclosed herein. The disclosed safety systems include detection systems for detecting a dangerous condition relative to a blade of the power tool, reaction systems for taking mitigation action in response to detection of a dangerous condition. Generally, the embodiments described herein may detect, prevent, and/or mitigate a dangerous condition associated with the power tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2009Publication date: September 22, 2011Applicant: POWER TOOL INSTITUTEInventors: Andy Butler, Brian Lamb, Chris Tacklind, Clinton Lazzari, Edward Cooper, Eric Edward Schultz, Frank Buhrmann, John Gilbert, David Zler, William Scott, Peter Domeny
-
Patent number: 7888826Abstract: A capacitive sensing system for use with a power cutting tool of the type which has an exposed, moveable blade adjacent a work surface is disclosed. The sensing system drives an excitation voltage onto the exposed blade and monitors the current drawn from the blade, detects changes in the amplitude and phase and analyzes the characteristics of the changes to selectively trigger a reaction system.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2010Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Power Tool InstituteInventors: David C. Shafer, Jean-Pierre Krauer
-
Patent number: 7804204Abstract: A capacitive sensing system for use with a power cutting tool of the type which has an exposed, moveable blade adjacent a work surface is disclosed. The sensing system drives an excitation voltage onto the exposed blade and monitors the current drawn from the blade, detects changes in the amplitude and phase and analyzes the characteristics of the changes to selectively trigger a reaction system.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2006Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Power Tool InstituteInventors: David C. Shafer, Jean-Pierre Krauer
-
Publication number: 20100206145Abstract: A power tool is disclosed. The power tool may comprise a movable blade and a detection system for detecting contact between the blade and an object. The detection system may comprise an excitation plate capacitively coupling the drive signal to the movable blade and a circuit in communication with the excitation plate. The circuit may be configured to generate an in-phase component signal and a quadrature component signal from a blade current signal indicative of the instantaneous current drawn by the movable blade and calculate an energy of the blade current signal considering the in-phase component and the quadrature component. The circuit may be further programmed to compare the energy of the blade current signal to an adaptive trigger threshold to detect contact between the blade and the object based on whether the energy of the blade current signal is greater than the adaptive trigger threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2010Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicant: Power Tool InstituteInventors: Vladimir Tetelbaum, Darius Mostowfi, Richard Suprenant
-
Patent number: 7739934Abstract: Power tool includes a movable blade and a detection system for detecting contact between the blade and an object. Detection system includes an excitation plate capacitively coupling the drive signal to the movable blade. A circuit generates an in phase component signal and a quadrature component signal from a blade current signal indicative of the instantaneous current drawn by the movable blade and calculates an energy of the blade current signal considering the in-phase and the quadrature components. The circuit compares the energy of the blade current signal to an adaptive trigger threshold to detect contact between the blade and the object based on whether the energy of the blade current signal is greater than the adaptive trigger threshold.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2008Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Power Tool InstituteInventors: Vladimir Tetelbaum, Darius Mostowfi, Richard Surprenant