Apparatus and method for detecting dangerous conditions in power equipment
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A woodworking machine comprising:
- an electrically conductive cutting tool mounted on a rotatable, electrically conductive shaft;
a contact detection system for detecting contact between a person and the cutting tool, where the contact detection system includes one or more drive electrodes adapted to impart an electrical signal onto the cutting tool; and
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;
where the one or more drive electrodes are disposed adjacent the shaft to impart the electrical signal onto the cutting tool through the shaft.
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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.
223 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A woodworking machine comprising:
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an electrically conductive cutting tool mounted on a rotatable, electrically conductive shaft;
a contact detection system for detecting contact between a person and the cutting tool, where the contact detection system includes one or more drive electrodes adapted to impart an electrical signal onto the cutting tool; and
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;
where the one or more drive electrodes are disposed adjacent the shaft to impart the electrical signal onto the cutting tool through the shaft. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A woodworking machine, comprising:
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a motor;
an electrically isolated, rotatable arbor configured to be driven by the motor;
a circular blade coupled to the arbor;
an excitation system adapted to generate an electrical signal; and
a capacitive coupling adapted to capacitively couple the excitation system to the arbor to transfer at least a portion of the electrical signal to the blade. - View Dependent Claims (11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18)
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12. A woodworking machine comprising:
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a frame;
a conductive cutting tool supported by and electrically insulated from the frame;
a motor supported by the frame and adapted to drive the cutting tool;
a contact detection system adapted to detect contact between a person and the cutting tool, wherein the contact detection system includes a first electrode capacitively coupled to the cutting tool to impart a signal to the cutting tool and a second electrode capacitively coupled to the cutting tool to monitor the signal imparted to the cutting tool; and
a reaction system adapted to stop movement of the cutting tool upon detection of contact between a person and the cutting tool by the contact detection system.
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17. A woodworking machine, comprising:
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an electrically conductive cutting tool;
a motor configured to drive the cutting tool;
a contact detection system configured to detect contact between a person and the cutting tool;
a capacitive coupling between the contact detection system and the cutting tool; and
a brake mechanism configured to engage and stop the cutting tool if contact between the person and the cutting tool is detected by the contact detection system;
where the contact detection system is configured to impart an electrical signal onto the cutting tool through the capacitive coupling, and to detect contact between a person and the cutting tool based on changes in the electrical signal imparted to the cutting tool.
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Specification