Abstract: Cutting machines with high-speed safety systems, and firing subsystems used in high-speed safety systems, are disclosed. The cutting machines may include a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a cutting tool and a person. A reaction system performs a specified action, such as stopping the cutting tool, upon detection of the dangerous condition. A fusible member or explosive may be used to trigger the reaction system to perform the specified action. A firing subsystem may be used to fuse the fusible member or fire the explosive upon detection of the dangerous condition.

Abstract: Woodworking machines are disclosed having cutting tools movable into a cutting zone for cutting workpieces. The machines include a detection system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a person and the cutting tool, and a reaction system adapted to stop motion of the cutting tool into the cutting zone upon detection of the dangerous condition by the detection system.

Abstract: A table saw having an adjustable blade, a detection system to detect contact between a person and the blade, and a brake mechanism to engage and stop the blade upon detection of contact between the person and the blade is disclosed. The saw includes a brake positioning system that adjusts the position of the brake mechanism to maintain the brake mechanism in an operative position relative to the blade as the position of the blade is adjusted. The saw also may include a retraction system that urges the blade downward, away from a user, upon detection of contact between a person and the blade. The retraction system may include a releasable gear. The saw may be constructed so that the blade is adjustable up and down around a pivot point downstream of the blade relative to the feed direction.

Abstract: A safer woodworking machine is disclosed. The machine includes a cutting tool and a motor adapted to drive the cutting tool. The machine further includes a detection system to detect a dangerous condition between the cutting tool and a person, such as a person coming into contact with the cutting tool. A reaction system is provided to disable the cutting tool, such as by covering, blocking, destroying, wrapping, etc., upon detection by the detection system of the dangerous condition.

Abstract: Woodworking machines are disclosed having movable cutting tools for cutting workpieces in a cutting region. The machines include a detection system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a person and the cutting tools, and a reaction system associated with the detection system. The reaction system is configured to retract the cutting tool at least partially away from the cutting region upon detection of a dangerous condition by the detection system.

Abstract: A miter saw is disclosed having a base, a blade supported by the base, a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and the blade, and a reaction system associated with the detection system to cause a predetermined action to take place upon detection of the dangerous condition. The blade is rotatable, and moves into a cutting zone to cut a workpiece. The predetermined action may be to stop the blade from rotating, to create an impulse against movement of the blade into the cutting zone, or to cause the blade to move away from the cutting zone.

Abstract: The invention is a garbage disposal that includes a dishwasher drain connection to allow water and waste to enter the disposal from a dishwasher, a water input port also to allow water to enter the disposal, a valve associated with the water input port to block the flow of water through the water input port until the valve is actuated, and a switch assembly to actuate both the disposal and the valve. In one embodiment of the invention a coupler is connected to the dishwasher drain connection, where the coupler accepts both a dishwasher drain hose and a water supply hose, so that the dishwasher drain connection acts as the water input port. Another embodiment of the invention includes a coupler adapted to be installed on and modify existing disposals according to the invention. The invention also includes a method of modifying garbage disposals according to the invention.