Abstract: A table saw 10 includes a table 14 supported on a mount base 12, and a saw blade 25 rotated by a motor 22 and protruding upwardly from the table 14, so that a workpiece can be cut by the saw blade 25 as it is slidably moved on the table 14. In addition, the table saw 10 includes a cutting condition detection device for determining whether or not the workpiece is being cut, a vibration sensor 30 for detecting an acceleration of vibration, and a motor stopping device for stopping the motor 22 when the acceleration of the vibration detected by the vibration sensor 30 exceeds an acceptable value.

Abstract: A food product slicer includes a carriage assembly is mounted to the base for reciprocal movement back and forth past a cutting edge of a knife. An adjustable gauge plate provides variable slice thickness for food product carried by the carriage assembly. During automatic slicing, when the gauge plate is moved from the open position to the closed position, a slicer controller automatically shuts down the carriage drive in a controlled manner that causes the carriage to stop at its most forward position.

Abstract: A table saw having a brake mechanism configured to engage and stop a blade is disclosed. The table saw includes a brake positioning system configured to adjust the position of the brake mechanism to maintain the brake mechanism in an operative position relative to the blade as the blade is raised and lowered.

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 cutting device having a holding element for holding a workpiece, a pair of cutting blades for cutting the workpiece held by the holding element, the cutting blades being adapted to be rotated, a wear amount detecting element for detecting the amount of wear of each of the pair of cutting blades, and a control element. The control element is arranged to selectively cut the workpiece by both of the pair of cutting blades, or cut the workpiece by one of the pair of cutting blades. When the workpiece is to be cut by one of the pair of cutting blades, the control element compares the amounts of wear of the pair of cutting blades detected by the wear amount detecting element, and allows the cutting blade having a smaller amount of wear to cut the workpiece.

Abstract: Improved methods to detect when a human body contacts a predetermined portion of a machine are disclosed. The methods distinguish contact with a person from contact with other materials. The methods are particularly applicable in woodworking equipment such as table saws to distinguish contact between a person and the blade of the saw from contact between the blade and wet or green wood.

Abstract: Power equipment with various safety systems is disclosed. Table saws with safety systems and/or blade retraction are disclosed. Over-molded arbors are disclosed for use in power equipment with safety systems and/or blade retraction.

Abstract: A miter saw is disclosed having a base, a blade supported by the base, a detection system adapted to detect contact 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.

Abstract: A power tool comprises a detection system for detecting a situation where an operator using a power tool of the type which has an exposed rotating component contacts the rotating component, and a protection system for minimizing the possibility of an operator being injured by contacting the rotating component.

Abstract: A woodworking machine having one or more dangerous portions of the machine is disclosed. The machine also includes a safety system configured to detect accidental contact between a person and at least one of the dangerous portions by electrically coupling a signal to the person's body, and detecting if the signal becomes coupled to the dangerous portion.

Abstract: A method and system for assessing when to change or sharpen a cutting blade of a paper cutter is presented. The cutting blade is operated using an electric motor that causes motion of the cutting blade, and the motion of the cutting blade causes the paper to be cut. Data is recorded about usage of the electric motor at least while cutting the paper. Based upon the data, a determination is made as to whether the cutting blade should be changed or sharpened.

Abstract: A 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: 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: Safety systems for power equipment, and components and brake cartridges for use in those safety systems, are disclosed. The safety systems, components and brake cartridges are specifically applicable for woodworking equipment such as saws. An exemplary brake cartridge includes a housing, a brake pawl, a spring, a fuse wire, circuitry a plug, an aperture for a key, and a switch activated by the key to indicate the cartridge is installed.

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 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: Miter saws are 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 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: The object of the present invention is to provide a method whereby it is possible to cut a single crystal ingot comparatively accurately while allowing resulting slices to have a flat surface, and to lengthen the life of the blade more than would be possible with conventional methods. A single crystal ingot 10a is arranged below a straightly running portion 18a of the blade which is made to run endlessly along a circuit such that the longitudinal axis of ingot 10a crosses at right angles with the straightly running portion 18a of the blade, thereby enabling the straightly running portion 18a of the blade to cut the ingot 10a perpendicularly.

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: 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 present invention discloses a method and apparatus for controlling the load on the blade of a steel-cutting saw A programmable logic controller senses the spindle motor load current and compares it with the desired optimum operating current. Variations in hardness of the steel member cause the spindle motor current to fluctuate. The advancement of the blade by an electric servomotor is controlled by the PLC. The PLC reduces the rate of advancement of the blade in response to increasing spindle current, thereby reducing the load on the blade. The blade speed is maintained constant by a variable frequency motor powering the spindle motor. The operator selects the blade speed from 3 to 85 RPM, which is maintained by the variable frequency drive. The feed rate is the variable that is controlled by the PLC, by which the load current of the spindle motor is maintained relatively constant.

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: An apparatus for estimating a lifetime of a cutter for cutting a sheet comprising: a detector for detecting a value of a parameter representing a cutting resistance during sheet cutting; a comparator for comparing the detected value of the parameter with a predetermined reference value; and an output element for outputting a result based on the comparison.

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: A positive piece engagement indicator for marking tool is provided in which a metal workpiece is contacted with a workpiece contact probe for providing physical contact with, as well as electrical communication with the metal surface of a workpiece. A test voltage and indicator means are placed in series between the workpiece and marking tool. Upon physical contact of the marking tool engagement surface with the surface of the metal workpiece, a circuit is completed by the electrical communication there between, thereby engaging the indicator means. This allows positive verification of actual engagement of worktool to workpiece.

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 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: A table saw having a brake mechanism configured to engage and stop a blade is disclosed. The table saw includes a brake positioning system configured to adjust the position of the brake mechanism to maintain the brake mechanism in an operative position relative to the blade as the blade is raised and lowered.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning dicing saw blades at a fixed axial distance from one another independent of the thickness of the saw blades, where the saw blade thickness varies within a range. Flanges, spacers, and retention spacers may be employed to achieve desired spacing of dicing saw blades in the assembly. At least one biasing element that is at least partially constrained about its outer radial periphery may be employed to achieve axial positional independence of each dicing saw blade with respect to other dicing saw blades of the assembly. Further, at least one retention feature may also be used to fix the position of the at least one biasing element in the assembly. Machining techniques may be used to form the components and features of the present invention.

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: Cutting machines with high-speed safety systems, and actuators 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. An actuator may be used to trigger the reaction system to perform the specified action.

Abstract: Improperly mounted wafer saw blades can damage wafers cut or diced with the blades. Embodiments of this invention employ sensors to measure a distance to the blade to help indicate if the blade is improperly mounted. In one method of the invention, a the distance to the blade face is measured as the blade is rotated and a variance in this measured distance is determined. If the variance is no greater than a predetermined maximum, the blade may be used to cut the wafer. In one apparatus of the invention, a wafer saw include a blade and a sensor. The sensor is adapted to monitor a distance to a face of the rotating blade. A processor coupled to the sensor may indicate if the distance to the face of the blade as it rotates deviates too far from a baseline position of the blade face.

Abstract: A 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: A cutting apparatus is capable of cutting a work-piece depending upon the quality of the work-piece. The cutting apparatus produces parallelism between a knife edge of a cutting blade and a mounting face of the work-piece. A support having the blade is provided to a column capable of controlling a tilting angle of the blade in a blade length direction. Cutting is executed by controlling vertical movement of the blade. A driving source is capable of controlling movement linearly. The driving source produces a parallel relationship between a surface of a table and a knife edge. Different supports are each unitized to include a driving source and the blade vertically moved by the driving source. The different supports can be mounted interchangeably and selectively on a column of a cutting apparatus.

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 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: A dicing machine including a flange cover which covers the blade and is divided into two such that a first cover is openable. An interlock device is provided so that a blade attaching and detaching device cannot be attached when the first cover is at the closing position, the first cover cannot turn to the closing position when the blade attaching and detaching device is attached, and the processing of the work is not started when detected radiation of a blade breakage detector, attached to the first cover, is not reduced by a predetermined amount. Consequently, the blade and the work are prevented from being damaged by processing the work without applying coolant, the mechanism of the dicing machine and the blade attaching and detaching device are prevented from being damaged without detaching the blade attaching and detaching device, and the work is prevented from being being unprocessed.

Abstract: A saw cover safety sensing device comprises a protecting cover; a sensing controller at one side of the protecting cover; a control circuit within the sensing controller; the control circuit serving for receiving electric static signals from a human body and emitting control signals; the sensing controller further comprising a power switch, at least one batteries, a plurality of LED lights and a transparent cover; at least one signal sensing wire connected to the sensing controller; each signal sensing wire having a metal foil sheet; one surface of the metal foil sheet being coated with glue so that the metal foil sheets and the signal sensing wires are adhered to the protecting cover; the signal sensing wire and metal foil sheets serving for detecting electric static signals emitted from a human body; and a buzzer connected to the sensing controller; the buzzer buzzes in response to electric static signals.

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 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: A blade assembly for cutting a food product such as potatoes or vegetables in a wedge configuration. The blade assembly includes a blade head to which a blade is attached and tensioned by a tensioning assembly. The blade is attached to the blade head with a first end restrained by a first end retainer, a second end restrained by a second end retainer, a first bend positioned about a first return of the blade head, a second bend positioned about a second return of the blade head. The blade also includes a first leg segment extending in a first plane across an aperture of the blade head, and a second leg segment extending across the aperture of the blade head in a second plane at an angle to the first leg segment. The blade assembly for cutting a food product may also include a blade failure sensing device.

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: A table saw has a movable cutting tool for cutting a workpiece in a cutting region. The table saw includes a detection system to detect one or more conditions between a person and the cutting tool and a retraction system associated with the detection system. The retraction system retracts the cutting tool away from the cutting region independently of the motor and disengages the cutting tool from driving rotation with the motor upon detection of the one or more conditions by the detection system.

Abstract: An in-situ method and apparatus for monitoring wear of a dicing saw blade. The apparatus, which is mounted on a cooling block of the dicing saw, has a transmitter to emit a parallel beam of light onto a side surface of the dicing saw blade; a receiver for receiving the light that is un-obscured by the saw blade; and a processor coupled to the receiver for determining wear of the saw blade based on an output from the receiver. The apparatus may also display the wear rate of the saw blade, and/or an estimated time for replacement of the saw blade.