Actuators for use in fast-acting safety systems
AssigneeSd3, LLC
InventorsStephen F. Gass, David A. Fanning
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Cutting machines with high-speed safety systems, and actuators used in high-speed safety systems, are disclosed. The cutting machines may include a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a cutting tool and a person. A reaction system performs a specified action, such as stopping the cutting tool, upon detection of the dangerous condition. An actuator may be used to trigger the reaction system to perform the specified action.
Claims14
An actuator for use in a safety system for a power tool, where the power tool includes a moving blade, the actuator comprising:
- an engagement member adapted to move into contact with the moving blade,
- a brake pawl attached to the engagement member so that when the engagement member contacts the moving blade, the blade and engagement member pull the brake pawl into the blade, and
- a mechanism adapted to cause the engagement member to move into contact with the blade prior to the blade and engagement member pulling the brake pawl into the blade.
- 2.The actuator of claim 1, where the mechanism adapted to cause the engagement member to move into contact with the moving blade includes a splenoid.
- 3.The actuator of claim 1, where the mechanism adapted to cause the engagement member to move into contact with the moving blade includes a shape memory alloy.
An actuator for use in a safety system for a power tool, where the power tool includes a moving blade, the actuator comprising:
- brake means for contacting and braking the moving blade,
- engagement means for moving into contact with the moving blade and for pulling the brake means into contact with the moving blade,
- means for causing the engagement means to move into contact with the moving blade prior to the engagement means pulling the brake means into contact with the moving blade.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.