Actuators for power tool safety systems
AssigneeSawStop Holding LLC
InventorStephen F Gass
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Fast-acting and low-inertia actuators useable in various applications where a high force must be applied very quickly are disclosed. Power tools with detection systems configured to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a cutting tool are disclosed. In power tools, for example in a woodworking machine, a fast-acting and low-inertial actuator as disclosed herein can be used to retract a blade upon detection of a dangerous condition by a detection system. The actuator includes a charge of pressurized fluid and one or more electromagnets to selectively retain or release the pressurized fluid.
Claims8
A power tool comprising:
- a blade for cutting workpieces;
- a motor configured to drive the blade;
- a structure supporting the blade and configured to allow the blade to retract;
- and
- at least one electromagnet to trigger a retraction of the blade, and
- a circuit that controls the at least one electromagnet, where the circuit is configured to supply current to the at least one electromagnet in a first direction to create a magnetic field and in a second direction to reverse the magnetic field.
A power tool comprising:
- a blade for cutting workpieces;
- a motor configured to drive the blade;
- a structure supporting the blade and configured to allow the blade to retract;
- at least one electromagnet to trigger a retraction of the blade;
- and
- a circuit that controls the at least one electromagnet with a microprocessor, where the circuit is configured to supply current to the at least one electromagnet in a first direction to create a magnetic field and in a second direction to help dissipate the magnetic field.
A power tool comprising:
- a blade for cutting workpieces;
- a motor configured to drive the blade;
- a structure supporting the blade and configured to allow the blade to retract;
- at least one electromagnet to control retraction of the blade, and
- a circuit that controls the at least one electromagnet, where the circuit is configured to supply current to the at least one electromagnet in a first direction to create a magnetic field and in a second direction opposite the first direction.
A power tool comprising:
- a blade for cutting workpieces;
- a motor configured to drive the blade;
- a structure supporting the blade and configured to allow the blade to retract;
- at least one electromagnet to control retraction of the blade;
- and
- a circuit that manages the at least one electromagnet with a microprocessor, where the circuit is configured to supply current to the at least one electromagnet in a first direction to create a magnetic field and in a second direction to help dissipate the magnetic field.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.