SAFETY SYSTEMS FOR POWER EQUIPMENT

摘要

Abstract Safety systems for power equipment are disclosed. The safety systems include a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a working portion of a machine, such as accidental contact with the working portion, and a reaction system associated with the detection system 5 to cause a predetermined action to take place relative to the working portion upon detection of the dangerous condition by the detection system, The detection system may be adapted to capacitively impart an electric charge on the working portion and to detect when that charge drops. The reaction system may be a brake system to stop the working portion, a retraction system to retract the working portion, a system to cover the working portion, or some other system. The safety systems include other features and 10 elements, as disclosed. Machines equipped with safety systems are also disclosed, such as saws, jointers, and other woodworking machines. The machines include a working portion, such as a cutter or blade, a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and the working portion, and a reaction system associated with the detection system to cause a predetermined action to take place upon detection 15 of the dangerous condition, such as a brake system to stop the working portion, a retraction system to retract the working portion, or a system to cover the working portion. The machines may include a control system adapted to control the operability of one or more of the working portion, the detection system and the reaction system. The machines include other features and elements, as disclosed.