Patents by Inventor David A. Fanning

David A. Fanning has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10882207
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: SawStop Holding LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, J. David Fulmer, David A. Fanning
  • Patent number: 10442106
    Abstract: Extension rails for table saws are disclosed. Some of the disclosed extension rails can be attached to a table saw without a user having to manipulate a lever or knob. Extension rails particularly relevant to portable table saws such as jobsite and bench-top table saws are disclosed, including extension rails that can provide 48? or more of cutting capacity on jobsite and/or bench-top table saws. A method of attaching extension rails to a table saw is disclosed that does not require the use of a tool or the manipulation of a knob or clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: SawStop Holding LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, Steven D. McDaniel, David A. Fanning
  • Patent number: 10442108
    Abstract: Table saws are disclosed. The table saws can include a blade, an arbor, an arbor block, an elevation carriage, and a latch that connects the arbor block and the elevation carriage. The arbor block can have a first position in which the latch connects the arbor block and the elevation carriage, and a second position in which the latch does not connect the arbor block and the elevation carriage. The arbor block can pivot from the first position to the second position upon the occurrence of a retraction force. The table saw can include an actuator to cause the occurrence of the retraction force, and detection electronics to detect contact between the blade and a person. Woodworking machines with detection and reaction systems are also disclosed. A reaction system can include an explosive that causes retraction of a cutting tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: SawStop Holding LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, J. David Fulmer, David A. Fanning
  • Patent number: 10335972
    Abstract: Table saws with safety systems are disclosed. The safety systems detect and react to dangerous conditions, such as contact between the blade and a person. The table saws may include a switch, a first light that illuminates to indicate the safety system is operable, and a second light that illuminates to indicate that the safety system is inoperable. The switch may not power the saw when switched on if the second light is illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: SawStop Holding LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, J. David Fulmer, David A. Fanning
  • Publication number: 20180345527
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: SawStop Holding LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, J. David Fulmer, David A. Fanning
  • Patent number: 10052786
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: SawStop Holding LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, J. David Fulmer, David A. Fanning
  • Publication number: 20180215064
    Abstract: Table saws with safety systems are disclosed. The safety systems detect and react to dangerous conditions, such as contact between the blade and a person. The table saws may include a switch, a first light that illuminates to indicate the safety system is operable, and a second light that illuminates to indicate that the safety system is inoperable. The switch may not power the saw when switched on if the second light is illuminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: SawStop Holding LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, J. David Fulmer, David A. Fanning
  • Patent number: 9925683
    Abstract: Table saws with safety systems are disclosed. The safety systems detect and react to dangerous conditions, such as contact between the blade and a person. The table saws may include a switch, a first light that illuminates to indicate the safety system is operable, and a second light that illuminates to indicate that the safety system is inoperable. The switch may not power the saw when switched on if the second light is illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: SawStop Holding LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, J. David Fulmer, David A. Fanning
  • Patent number: 9878380
    Abstract: Throat plates for table saws and table saws are disclosed. In some embodiments, the throat plates and/or saws have at least one securement mechanism to secure and prevent inadvertent removal of the throat plate from the throat of the saw. In some embodiments, at least one of the securement mechanisms also provides a height adjustment mechanism and/or prevents vertical removal of the throat plate. In some embodiments, the throat plate has an accessory mounting port that provides a portal for accessories, including safety accessories, to extend through the plate from beneath the table of the saw. In some embodiments, the port extends from the plate's outer perimeter to divide the plate's rear end portion into a pair of spaced-apart members. In some embodiments, these members are independently secured to the table saw and retained apart from each other by one or more of the securement mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: SawStop Holding LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, J. David Fulmer, David A. Fanning
  • Publication number: 20170312837
    Abstract: Table saws are disclosed. The table saws can include a blade, an arbor, an arbor block, an elevation carriage, and a latch that connects the arbor block and the elevation carriage. The arbor block can have a first position in which the latch connects the arbor block and the elevation carriage, and a second position in which the latch does not connect the arbor block and the elevation carriage. The arbor block can pivot from the first position to the second position upon the occurrence of a retraction force. The table saw can include an actuator to cause the occurrence of the retraction force, and detection electronics to detect contact between the blade and a person. Woodworking machines with detection and reaction systems are also disclosed. A reaction system can include an explosive that causes retraction of a cutting tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: SD3, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, J. David Fulmer, David A. Fanning
  • Patent number: 9623498
    Abstract: Table saws are disclosed. The table saws can include a blade, an arbor, an arbor block, an elevation carriage, and a latch that connects the arbor block and the elevation carriage. The arbor block can have a first position in which the latch connects the arbor block and the elevation carriage, and a second position in which the latch does not connect the arbor block and the elevation carriage. The arbor block can pivot from the first position to the second position upon the occurrence of a retraction force. The table saw can include an actuator to cause the occurrence of the retraction force, and detection electronics to detect contact between the blade and a person. Woodworking machines with detection and reaction systems are also disclosed. A reaction system can include an explosive that causes retraction of a cutting tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: SD3, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, J. David Fulmer, David A. Fanning
  • Publication number: 20170072481
    Abstract: Throat plates for table saws and table saws including the same are disclosed. In some embodiments, the throat plates and/or saws include at least one securement mechanism adapted to secure and prevent inadvertent removal of the throat plate from the throat of the saw. In some embodiments, at least one of the securement mechanisms also provides a height adjustment mechanism and/or prevents vertical removal of the throat plate. In some embodiments, the throat plate includes an accessory mounting port that provides a portal for accessories, including safety accessories, to extend through the plate from beneath the table of the saw. In some embodiments, the port extends from the plate's outer perimeter to divide the plate's rear end portion into a pair of spaced-apart members. In some embodiments, these members are independently secured to the table saw and retained apart from each other by one or more of the securement mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Applicant: SD3, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, J. David Fulmer, David A. Fanning
  • Publication number: 20160158959
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, J. David Fulmer, David A. Fanning
  • Publication number: 20160008997
    Abstract: Table saws with safety systems are disclosed. The safety systems detect and react to dangerous conditions, such as contact between the blade and a person. The table saws may include a switch, a first light that illuminates to indicate the safety system is operable, and a second light that illuminates to indicate that the safety system is inoperable. The switch may not power the saw when switched on if the second light is illuminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicant: SD3, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, J. David Fulmer, David A. Fanning
  • Publication number: 20150375314
    Abstract: Table saws are disclosed. The table saws can include a blade, an arbor, an arbor block, an elevation carriage, and a latch that connects the arbor block and the elevation carriage. The arbor block can have a first position in which the latch connects the arbor block and the elevation carriage, and a second position in which the latch does not connect the arbor block and the elevation carriage. The arbor block can pivot from the first position to the second position upon the occurrence of a retraction force. The table saw can include an actuator to cause the occurrence of the retraction force, and detection electronics to detect contact between the blade and a person. Woodworking machines with detection and reaction systems are also disclosed. A reaction system can include an explosive that causes retraction of a cutting tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: SD3, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, J. David Fulmer, David A. Fanning
  • Publication number: 20150283630
    Abstract: Table saws are disclosed. The table saws may include a circular blade, a first elevation mechanism configured to raise and lower the blade relative to the work surface, and a second elevation mechanism configured to change the elevation of the blade independent of the first elevation mechanism. The first elevation mechanism may include a linear slide and the second elevation mechanism may include a pivot joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Applicant: SD3, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, J. David Fulmer, David A. Fanning
  • Publication number: 20150273723
    Abstract: Extension rails for table saws are disclosed. Some of the disclosed extension rails can be attached to a table saw without a user having to manipulate a lever or knob. Extension rails particularly relevant to portable table saws such as jobsite and bench-top table saws are disclosed, including extension rails that can provide 48? or more of cutting capacity on jobsite and/or bench-top table saws. A method of attaching extension rails to a table saw is disclosed that does not require the use of a tool or the manipulation of a knob or clamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: SD3, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, Steven D. McDaniel, David A. Fanning
  • Publication number: 20150273725
    Abstract: Woodworking machines and safety system for use with those machines are disclosed. The machines include a detection system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions and a reaction system associated with the detection system. The reaction system can include an explosive to trigger the system, and also can be configured to retract a cutting tool at least partially away from a cutting region upon detection of a dangerous condition by the detection system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: SD3, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, J. David Fulmer, David A. Fanning
  • Publication number: 20150151371
    Abstract: Throat plates for table saws and table saws including the same are disclosed. In some embodiments, the throat plates and/or saws include at least one securement mechanism adapted to secure and prevent inadvertent removal of the throat plate from the throat of the saw. In some embodiments, at least one of the securement mechanisms also provides a height adjustment mechanism and/or prevents vertical removal of the throat plate. In some embodiments, the throat plate includes an accessory mounting port that provides a portal for accessories, including safety accessories, to extend through the plate from beneath the table of the saw. In some embodiments, the port extends from the plate's outer perimeter to divide the plate's rear end portion into a pair of spaced-apart members. In some embodiments, these members are independently secured to the table saw and retained apart from each other by one or more of the securement mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, J. DAVID FULMER, DAVID A. FANNING
  • Publication number: 20150040737
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, J. David Fulmer, David A. Fanning