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, where the motor has a drive shaft;
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 to monitor that signal for changes indicative of the unsafe condition;
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 is configured so that the motor drives the cutting tool without a belt, where the direct drive system includes an arbor separate from the drive shaft and a substantially non-conductive coupling between the arbor and the drive shaft, and where the arbor is electrically isolated form the drive shaft.
2 Assignments
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.
494 Citations
15 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, where the motor has a drive shaft; 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 to monitor that signal for changes indicative of the unsafe condition; 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 is configured so that the motor drives the cutting tool without a belt, where the direct drive system includes an arbor separate from the drive shaft and a substantially non-conductive coupling between the arbor and the drive shaft, and where the arbor is electrically isolated form the drive shaft. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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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; at least one motor configured to move the culling tool, where the motor has a drive shaft; 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 to monitor that signal for changes indicative of the unsafe condition; 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 is configured so that the motor drives the cutting tool without a belt, and where the direct drive system includes an arbor separate from the drive shaft, and non-conductive coupling means for coupling and electrically isolating the arbor and drive shaft.
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Specification