Interface for Powered Pipe-Working Tools
AssigneeRidge Tool Company
InventorsScott KRUEPKE, Seth B. BULLOCK, Glen R. CHARTIER, Katherine HALL, Robert SKRJANC
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Power tools such as cutting saws with rotary powered blades are described. Also described are various accessories for tools used with cylindrical workpieces such as pipes are described. The accessories include a clamp and saw joint assembly, various quick connection assemblies between a saw and a clamping system, a plunge guide assembly, a latch plate assembly, an interlock switch, a blade guard system, and a chip management system or chip deflector. Also described are related methods of use.
Claims20
An interlock system (600) for a saw or a pipe-working tool defining a receiving aperture (612), the interlock system comprising:
- a positionable plunger (620) positionable between an extended state in which the plunger (620) extends into the receiving aperture (612), and a retracted state in which the plunger (620) does not extend into the receiving aperture (612);
- and
- an interlock switch (630) defining an open position when current does not flow and a closed position when current flows and including electrical contacts (634),
- wherein an operational state of the electrical contacts (634) varies depending upon the position of the plunger (620) relative to the receiving aperture (612).
A method (500) for operation of an interlock system in a cutting device or a pipe-working tool, the method comprising:
- actuating (502) a power switch associated with a device or a tool;
- delivering (504) electrical power to a controller of the device or the tool;
- the controller assessing (506) a signal from at least one interlock switch or at least one sensor whereby if a state of the signal corresponds to an activated state, the controller allows electrical power to be delivered (508) to a motor of the cutting device or the pipe-working tool, and if a state of the signal corresponds to a normal inactive state, the controller prevents (514) operation of the device or tool.
A method (550) for operation of an interlock system in a cutting device or a pipe-working tool, the method comprising:
- actuating (552) a power switch associated with a device or a tool;
- delivering (554) electrical power to a controller of the device or the tool;
- the controller comparing (558) a signal from at least one interlock switch or at least one sensor, whereby if the controller determines that the device or the tool is in an activated state, the controller allows (560) electrical power to be delivered to a motor of the device or the tool, and if the controller determines that the device or the tool is in a normal inactive state, the controller prevents (566) device or tool operation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.