Detection system for power equipment
First Claim
1. A machine having an operative structure configured to perform a task, where the operative structure includes a cutting tool, the machine comprising:
- a detection subsystem adapted to detect contact between a person and a specified portion of the operative structure, and to distinguish that contact from contact between at least one other material and the specified portion of the operative structure, where the detection subsystem imparts an electrical signal to the specified portion, and where the detection subsystem distinguishes contact between the person and the specified portion from contact between the other material and the specified portion based on a predetermined frequency response of the electrical signal; and
a reaction subsystem adapted to cause a predetermined action to take place upon detection of the contact between the person and the specified portion.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A machine is disclosed having a detection subsystem adapted to detect contact between a person and a specified portion of the machine, and to distinguish that contact from contact with other materials. The detection subsystem imparts an electrical signal to a specified portion of the machine, and distinguishes that contact based on a predetermined frequency response of the electrical signal. A reaction subsystem then causes a predetermined action to take place. The machine may be a power saw designed to minimize injury in the event a person accidentally contacts the blade.
104 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A machine having an operative structure configured to perform a task, where the operative structure includes a cutting tool, the machine comprising:
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a detection subsystem adapted to detect contact between a person and a specified portion of the operative structure, and to distinguish that contact from contact between at least one other material and the specified portion of the operative structure, where the detection subsystem imparts an electrical signal to the specified portion, and where the detection subsystem distinguishes contact between the person and the specified portion from contact between the other material and the specified portion based on a predetermined frequency response of the electrical signal; and
a reaction subsystem adapted to cause a predetermined action to take place upon detection of the contact between the person and the specified portion. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A machine having an operative structure configured to perform a task, where the operative structure includes a cutting tool, the machine comprising:
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detection means for detecting contact between a person and a specified portion of the operative structure, and for distinguishing that contact from contact between at least one other material and the specified portion of the operative structure based on a frequency response of an electrical signal; and
a reaction subsystem adapted to cause a predetermined action to take place upon detection of the contact between the person and the specified portion.
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19. A method of detecting contact between a human body and a specified portion of a machine, and of distinguishing that contact from contact between at least one other material and the machine, the method comprising:
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imparting an electrical signal on the specified portion of the machine;
measuring the frequency response of the electrical signal when the specified portion is in contact with the human body;
measuring the frequency response of the electrical signal when the specified portion in contact with the other material;
comparing the frequency response of the electrical signal when the specified portion is in contact with the human body to the frequency response of the electrical signal when the specified portion is in contact with the other material; and
setting frequency measurement parameters to distinguish human body contact from contact by the other material. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification