Apparatus and method for detecting dangerous conditions in power equipment
First Claim
1. A machine comprising:
- an operative structure configured to perform a task;
a cutting tool forming part of the operative structure, where the cutting tool is adapted to move in at least one motion;
at least one motor 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, where the detection system is adapted to impart an electrical signal on the cutting tool;
a reaction system adapted to mitigate the unsafe condition upon the detection of the unsafe condition by the detection system; and
a direct drive system interconnecting the at least one motor and the cutting tool, where the direct drive system includes at least two shaft portions coupled by a substantially non-conductive coupling.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
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.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A machine comprising:
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an operative structure configured to perform a task;
a cutting tool forming part of the operative structure, where the cutting tool is adapted to move in at least one motion;
at least one motor 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, where the detection system is adapted to impart an electrical signal on the cutting tool;
a reaction system adapted to mitigate the unsafe condition upon the detection of the unsafe condition by the detection system; and
a direct drive system interconnecting the at least one motor and the cutting tool, where the direct drive system includes at least two shaft portions coupled by a substantially non-conductive coupling. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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15. A machine comprising:
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an operative structure configured to perform a task;
a cutting tool forming part of the operative structure, where the cutting tool is adapted to move in at least one motion;
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, where the detection system is adapted to impart an electrical signal on the cutting tool; and
a reaction system adapted to mitigate the unsafe condition upon the detection of the unsafe condition by the detection system;
where the direct drive mechanism is electrically isolated so that the electric signal may be imparted on the cutting tool.
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20. A machine comprising:
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an operative structure configured to perform a task;
a cutting tool forming part of the operative structure, where the cutting tool is adapted to move in at least one motion;
at least one motor 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, where the detection system is adapted to impart an electrical signal on the cutting tool;
a reaction system adapted to mitigate the unsafe condition upon the detection of the unsafe condition by the detection system; and
means for electrically isolating the cutting tool so that the electric signal may be imparted on the cutting tool.
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Specification