Firing subsystem for use in a fast-acting safety system

A cutting machine comprising:

• a support structure;
• a cutting tool adapted to cut a workpiece, where the cutting tool is supported by the support structure;
• a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between the cutting tool and a person;
• a reaction system adapted to perform a specified action upon detection of the dangerous condition;
• a fusible member to trigger the reaction system to perform the specified action upon fusing of the fusible member;
• and
• a firing subsystem to fuse the fusible member upon detection of the dangerous condition.

A cutting machine comprising:

• a cutting tool;
• a detection system adapted to detect contact between a person and the cutting tool;
• and
• a brake system including a brake pawl adapted to engage and stop the cutting tool when the detection system detects contact between the person and the cutter;
• where the brake system includes a release mechanism adapted to selectively restrain the brake pawl from engaging the cutter until the detection system detects contact between the person and the cutter;
• and
• where the release mechanism includes a fuse wire that is melted upon detection of contact between the person and the cutter.

A cutting machine comprising:

• a cutter;
• a brake adapted to stop the cutter, where the brake has an idle position and a breaking position;
• an actuation system adapted to selectively move the brake from the idle position to the braking position, where at least a portion of the actuation system must be replaced after moving the brake from the idle position to the braking position;
• and
• wherein the at least a portion of the actuation system is a fusible member that is melted to allow the brake to move from the idle position to the braking position.

A cutting machine comprising:

• a support structure;
• cutting means for cutting a workpiece, where the cutting means is supported by the support structure;
• detection means for detecting a dangerous condition between the cutting means and a person;
• reaction means for performing a specified action upon detection of the dangerous condition;
• fusible means for triggering the reaction means to perform the specified action upon fusing of the fusible means;
• and
• firing means for fusing the fusible member upon detection of the dangerous condition.