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: 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 at least one brake component adapted to engage and stop movement of the cutting tool, and an actuator adapted to move the brake component into contact with the cutting tool at a high acceleration when the detection system detects the dangerous condition between the person and the blade.

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: A machine such as a saw, jointer, planer, etc. is disclosed. The machine has cutting tool, a direct drive mechanism configured to move the cutting tool, a detection system adapted to detect the occurrence of an unsafe condition between a person and the cutting tool, and a reaction system adapted to mitigate the unsafe condition upon the detection of the unsafe condition by the detection system. An electrical signal is imparted on the cutting tool, and the signal is used to determine the occurrence of the unsafe condition. The direct drive mechanism is electrically isolated so that the electric signal may be imparted on the cutting tool. The electric isolation may be achieved through configurations such as insulated bearings, a substantially non-conductive housing, and a substantially non-conductive coupling joining two shaft portions.

Abstract: A saw is disclosed having a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a saw blade, and a brake adapted to stop the saw blade in response to detection of the dangerous condition. The saw further includes a brake positioning system that allows the brake to be positioned in at least two different operable positions to accommodate at least two different blade diameters. The saw may include a system to detect brake-to-blade spacing.

Abstract: Woodworking machines including conductive cutters adapted to cut workpieces, and motors adapted to drive the cutters are disclosed. The machines also include a contact detection system adapted to detect contact between a person and the cutter, and to distinguish contact between the person and the cutter from contact between the workpiece and the cutter. The machines further include a reaction system adapted to cause a predetermined action to take place upon detection of contact between the person and the cutter by the contact detection system.

Abstract: The device according to the invention has a sensor (5) for generating and detecting an electromagnetic field situated in the vicinity of a moving part (1) that should not be touched. The device according to the invention also has an evaluation unit (8) that is connected to the sensor (5) in order to evaluate sensor signals that can be generated by the sensor (5), wherein the evaluation unit (8) can generate an evaluation signal. Finally, a control unit (9) connected to the evaluation unit (8) is provided, which is designed and can be operated so as to control the movement of the part (1) as a function of the evaluation signal.

Abstract: A machine is described having at least one dangerous portion. The machine also includes a safety system to detect dangerous proximity between a person and the dangerous portion and perform a predetermined action to limit or prevent injury to the person from the dangerous portion.

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 microtome includes a knife holding device for a cutting element (16) and a specimen holding device (12). Associated with the specimen holding device (12) for a cutting movement is a first drive device (18) and associated with the specimen holding device (12) or the knife holding device is a second drive device (38) for a feed movement. A sender (20) is associated with the first drive device (18) and is connected with an electronic control means (26). A first operating element (28) controlling the first drive device (18) has a standard mode, in which the cutting movement of the specimen holding device is controlled by rotation of the first operating element (28), and a second mode, in which a continuous cutting function is activated by pressing the first operating element (28). A second operating element (44) controlling the second drive device (38) also has corresponding rotary and pressing modes.

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 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: Safety systems for power equipment are disclosed. The safety systems include a detection system adapted to detect contact between a person and a working portion of a machine, where the detection system is adapted to capacitively impart an electric charge on the working portion and to detect when that charge drops; and a reaction system associated with the detection system to cause a predetermined action to take place relative to the working portion upon detection of contact between the person and the working portion by the detection system. Machines equipped with safety systems are also disclosed, such as saws, jointers, etc.

Abstract: Power tool 1 may include table 5 on which work W is positioned. A portion of a circular blade 3 protrudes above table 5. Circular blade 3 may be driven by a motor. The motor may be controlled by a control device 90. Work W is cut by means of an operator sending work W positioned on an upper face of table 5 in the direction of the circular blade 3 while circular blade 3 is being driven by the motor. Power tool 1 may include first radar device 86 and second radar device 87 for monitoring a predetermined area in the vicinity of circular blade 3. First radar device 86 may detect whether objects other than work are present in the vicinity of a outer edge of circular blade 3. Second radar device 87 may detect the location of objects moving within the predetermined area in the vicinity of circular blade and detects the speed at which the objects are moving in the direction in which work is sent.

Abstract: Band saws with high-speed safety systems are disclosed. The band saws include a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a blade and a person. A reaction system performs a specified action such as stopping the blade upon detection of the dangerous condition.

Abstract: A saw with a safety system is disclosed. The safety system includes a detection system adapted to detect contact between a person and a blade while the blade is moving. The safety system further includes a brake system adapted to engage the blade and to stop the blade when the detection system detects contact between the person and the blade.

Abstract: Power tool 1 may include table 5 on which work W is positioned. A portion of a circular blade 3 protrudes above table 5. Circular blade 3 may be driven by a motor. The motor may be controlled by a control device 90. Work W is cut by means of an operator sending work W positioned on an upper face of table 5 in the direction of the circular blade 3 while circular blade 3 is being driven by the motor. Power tool 1 may include first radar device 86 and second radar device 87 for monitoring a predetermined area in the vicinity of circular blade 3. First radar device 86 may detect whether objects other than work are present in the vicinity of a outer edge of circular blade 3. Second radar device 87 may detect the location of objects moving within the predetermined area in the vicinity of circular blade and detects the speed at which the objects are moving in the direction in which work is sent.

Abstract: Woodworking machines are disclosed having a blade adapted to cut workpieces, and an actuating mechanism operable to move the blade toward the workpiece. The machines also include a detection system configured to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a user and the blade, and a reaction system configured to stop the movement of the blade toward the user 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: A miter saw having a base and an arm that pivots toward the base is disclosed. A blade is supported by the arm, and is designed to cut workpieces resting on the base when the arm and blade pivot downward. The saw includes a detection system configured to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a person and the blade, such as when a person accidentally touches the spinning blade, and the saw includes a reaction system to stop the downward movement of the blade and arm when the dangerous condition is detected.

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: A woodworking machine is disclosed having a base, a blade, 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 and/or to stop movement of the blade toward the cutting zone.

Abstract: A sensing mechanism (12) for detecting user contact with an active portion (26) of the power tool (10) is provided. In addition, a safety mechanism (14) for preventing prolonged user contact with the active portion (26) of a power tool (10) is provided. The safety mechanism (14) is configured to actuate upon receipt of a signal from the sensing mechanism (12). According to a first aspect, the safety mechanism (14) is arranged to rapidly displace the active portion (26) away from a user extremity. Alternatively, according to a second aspect, the safety mechanism (14) is arranged to rapidly urge an extremity of the user away from the active portion (26) of the power tool (10).

Abstract: A miter saw having a base and an arm that pivots toward the base is disclosed. A blade is supported by the arm, and is designed to cut workpieces resting on the base when the arm and blade pivot downward. The saw includes a detection system configured to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a person and the blade, such as when a person accidentally touches the spinning blade, and the saw includes a reaction system to urge the arm and blade away from the base when the dangerous condition is detected.

Abstract: Power tool 1 may include table 5 on which work W is positioned. A portion of a circular blade 3 protrudes above table 5. Circular blade 3 may be driven by a motor. The motor may be controlled by a control device 90. Work W is cut by means of an operator sending work W positioned on an upper face of table 5 in the direction of the circular blade 3 while circular blade 3 is being driven by the motor. Power tool 1 may include first radar device 86 and second radar device 87 for monitoring a predetermined area in the vicinity of circular blade 3. First radar device 86 may detect whether objects other than work are present in the vicinity of a outer edge of circular blade 3. Second radar device 87 may detect the location of objects moving within the predetermined area in the vicinity of circular blade and detects the speed at which the objects are moving in the direction in which work is sent.

Abstract: A tool safety system minimizes the likelihood of injury by detecting when a body part is in close proximity to a moving part of the tool. Upon detecting, a control system can provide one or more of moving the tool, disabling the moving part, or producing a warning signal.

Abstract: A blade assembly for a saw having a blade that rotates about an arbor includes a blade collar, first washer, saw blade, second washer, and arbor nut mounted onto the arbor. The first washer has integral shear pins that engage voids of the blade collar, coupling the blade collar to the first washer. To electrically isolate the saw blade, the first washer is made of an electrically insulating material, and also includes a hub that extends into the aperture of the blade, electrically insulating the blade from the arbor. The arbor nut secures the blade assembly to the arbor. Upon an emergency brake being applied to the blade, the shear pins shear, de-coupling the blade collar from the first washer, minimizing damage to the drive system and allowing for a rapid stop of the blade.

Abstract: A bladeless shear for bar stock and tubing comprising axially adjacent stationary and moving dies which receive the stock and produce a shearing action by relative lateral displacement. A linear actuator or an electric motor produces the mechanical movement to rotate the drive wheel in alternatingly opposite directions. A mandrel for insertion into the tube is disclosed as well as an hydraulic tube clamp and an adjustable in-feed table.

Abstract: Band saws with high-speed safety systems are disclosed. The band saws include a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a blade and a person. A reaction system performs a specified action such as stopping the blade upon detection of the dangerous condition.

Abstract: A highly reliable and inexpensive safety device for a power tool having a protective guard over a cutting blade which prevents use of the power tool when the protective guard is not in place. The safety device includes a proximity detector detecting a distance between the guard and a power tool table top and an interlock system that prevents operation of the power tool when a distance less than a predetermined relative proximity is not detected. In the case of a power table saw a pair of magnets are secured to the guard and a pair of reed switches are mounted beneath the table top to be closed when the guard is in place. The interlock system responds to the reed switches by allowing the saw to be started when the switches are both closed and preventing startup when they are not. A key activated bypass circuit allows the saw motor to be started when the guard is not present.

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: An arm configuration used in a scroll saw that allows the two arms to move substantially independently of one another and having a retaining mechanism which isolates one of the arms if one arm becomes disengaged from the saw blade or the saw blade breaks. A speed indicator that allows the user to easily determine the speed of the saw visually. A drive assembly including a pulley system that provides for increased torque and the saw to have a wide range of speeds.

Abstract: A bladeless shear for bar stock and tubing comprising axially adjacent stationary and moving dies which receive the stock and produce a shearing action by relative lateral displacement. A linear actuator or an electric motor produces the mechanical movement to rotate the drive wheel in alternatingly opposite directions. A mandrel for insertion into the tube is disclosed as well as an hydraulic tube clamp and an adjustable in-feed table.

Abstract: Woodworking machines are disclosed having cutting tools adapted to cut workpieces. The machines include a safety system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a person and the cutting tool, and to stop movement of the cutting tool upon detection of the dangerous condition. At least part of the safety system is housed in a removable cartridge.

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 at least one brake component adapted to engage and stop movement of the cutting tool, and an actuator adapted to move the brake component into contact with the cutting tool at a high acceleration when the detection system detects the dangerous condition between the person and the blade.

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: 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: An electric power tool has a motor-driven circular tool that can be clamped by means of a clamping device. A mechanical braking device (2) serves to brake the tool. A safety element (4) prevents improper handling of the electric power tool. In a safety position, the safety element (4) prevents the motor from being turned on and activates the braking device (2). In a release position, the safety element (4) allows the motor to be turned on and the braking device (12) is released. An additional locking mechanism prevents that a clamping lever, needed to actuate the clamping device, can be actuated in the clamped state in the safety position. In the release position of the safety element, the locking mechanism is unlocked.

Abstract: Woodworking machines including conductive cutters adapted to cut workpieces, and motors adapted to drive the cutters are disclosed. The machines also include a contact detection system adapted to detect contact between a person and the cutter, and to distinguish contact between the person and the cutter from contact between the workpiece and the cutter. The machines further include a reaction system adapted to cause a predetermined action to take place upon detection of contact between the person and the cutter by the contact detection system.

Abstract: A woodworking machine including a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a working portion of the machine is disclosed. The machine includes a reaction system associated with the detection system to cause a predetermined action to take place relative to the working portion upon detection of the dangerous condition. A motion detection system is adapted to detect motion of the working portion and to disable the reaction system when the working portion is not moving. The motion detection system may include a sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor, an electromagnetic field sensor, an optical sensor, or an electrical sensor. The woodworking machine may take the form of a saw, the working portion may be a blade adapted to cut when spinning, and the dangerous condition may be a person contacting the blade.

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: 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: Woodworking machines are disclosed having cutting tools adapted to cut 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 brake mechanism having one or more braking components adapted to engage and stop the cutting tool in response to the detection of a dangerous condition.

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: A saw is disclosed having a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a saw blade, and a brake adapted to stop the saw blade in response to detection of the dangerous condition. The saw further includes a brake positioning system that allows the brake to be positioned in at least two different operable positions to accommodate at least two different blade diameters. The saw may include a system to detect brake-to-blade spacing.

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 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 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: 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 sliceable product of an automatic slicing machine is advanced toward the stop plate by a slider which is engaged on both sides of the receiving surface for the sliceable product by respective belt drives.