Contact detection system for power equipment
First Claim
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1. A woodworking machine comprising:
- a support structure;
a cutting tool supported by the support structure and configured to cut workpieces;
a motor configured to drive the cutting tool; and
a safety system configured to detect accidental contact between a person and the cutting tool and take one or more predetermined actions in the event such contact is detected;
where the safety system includes a first electrode configured to electrically couple to the person'"'"'s body, and a second electrode configured to electrically couple to the cutting tool; and
where the safety system is configured to apply an electrical signal to one of the first or second electrodes and to detect whether a corresponding signal is transmitted to the other one of the first or second electrodes through the person'"'"'s body.
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Abstract
A woodworking machine having one or more dangerous portions 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.
43 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A woodworking machine comprising:
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a support structure; a cutting tool supported by the support structure and configured to cut workpieces; a motor configured to drive the cutting tool; and a safety system configured to detect accidental contact between a person and the cutting tool and take one or more predetermined actions in the event such contact is detected; where the safety system includes a first electrode configured to electrically couple to the person'"'"'s body, and a second electrode configured to electrically couple to the cutting tool; and where the safety system is configured to apply an electrical signal to one of the first or second electrodes and to detect whether a corresponding signal is transmitted to the other one of the first or second electrodes through the person'"'"'s body. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A woodworking machine having one or more dangerous portions comprising:
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means for coupling an electrical signal onto the person; means for monitoring at least one of the dangerous portions for the presence of electrical signals; and means for detecting if the electrical signal coupled onto the person becomes coupled onto the at least one dangerous portion. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification