682results about "Couplings with disconnecting safety members" patented technology

A detection system for detecting a dangerous condition for an operator using a power tool of the type which has an exposed blade relative to a work surface and a protection system for minimizing, if not eliminating the possibility of a user being injured by contacting the blade. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a proximity detection system is capable of detecting the presence of a user near the blade of a table saw and a protection system that can either retract the blade below the work surface of the table saw or terminate the drive torque to the blade which can result in rapid stopping of the saw blade by a work piece that is being cut.

A woodworking machine is disclosed having a base, a blade, a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and the blade, and a reaction system associated with the detection system to cause a predetermined action to take place upon detection of the dangerous condition. The blade is rotatable, and moves into a cutting zone to cut a workpiece. The predetermined action may be to stop the blade from rotating and / or to stop movement of the blade toward the cutting zone.

A miter saw having a base and an arm that pivots toward the base is disclosed. A blade is supported by the arm, and is designed to cut workpieces resting on the base when the arm and blade pivot downward. The saw includes a detection system configured to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a person and the blade, such as when a person accidentally touches the spinning blade, and the saw includes a reaction system to stop the downward movement of the blade and arm when the dangerous condition is detected.

A saw with a safety system is disclosed. The safety system includes a detection system adapted to detect contact between a person and a blade while the blade is moving. The safety system further includes a brake system adapted to engage the blade and to stop the blade when the detection system detects contact between the person and the blade.

Woodworking machines including conductive cutters adapted to cut workpieces, and motors adapted to drive the cutters are disclosed. The machines also include a contact detection system adapted to detect contact between a person and the cutter, and to distinguish contact between the person and the cutter from contact between the workpiece and the cutter. The machines further include a reaction system adapted to cause a predetermined action to take place upon detection of contact between the person and the cutter by the contact detection system.

A cable safety barrier has means for disengagement of the cable from an anchor portion of the cable safety barrier when certain vehicle impact conditions are met. Disengaging of the cable may involve allowing a cable end fitting to escape from an open ended slot, when the cable is deflected upwards, or causing the cable fitting to fail.

A machine safety guard unit system having a flexible panel moved upwards and downwards between track members with the system positioned between the operative parts of a machine and a machine operator, such panel when closed protecting the machine operator and when moved upwards into its open mode, allowing access to the machine and preventing the machine from operating. In some embodiments more than one of such units can be disposed around a machine with alarm means; and in yet other embodiments, with interengagement means connecting such units.

The invention includes a programmable emergency-stop circuit apparatus and method that provides advanced function not found in other systems. The circuit centralizes the control of high voltage motor power into one place, by providing connections for, in its minimum configuration, several different kill switches, a motors-on button, and an AC motor power relay coil. In the present invention, kill switches, test inputs, emergency-stop and motors-on buttons, computer ready and watchdog signals are all conveniently connected in one location, alongside the AC motor power relay coil driver. Programmable options exist for testing kill inputs online, while the emergency stop is energized.

A system for stopping a spinning table saw blade is comprised of a pin assembly disposed adjacent to a saw blade assembly for stopping a spinning saw blade. A receiving block is disposed on a side of the saw blade opposing the pin assembly for receiving the tip of the pin assembly. A driving assembly is coupled to the pin assembly for driving the pin assembly into the spinning saw blade into the receiving block. Finally, a sensing assembly is coupled to at least one of the saw blade assembly and the driving assembly for sensing encroachment of a user's hand in a pre-defined zone. In use, upon sensing a user's hand the sensing assembly signals the driving assembly to stop the spinning saw blade by driving the pin assembly through the saw blade and into the receiving block.

A sensing mechanism (12) for detecting user contact with an active portion (26) of the power tool (10) is provided. In addition, a safety mechanism (14) for preventing prolonged user contact with the active portion (26) of a power tool (10) is provided. The safety mechanism (14) is configured to actuate upon receipt of a signal from the sensing mechanism (12). According to a first aspect, the safety mechanism (14) is arranged to rapidly displace the active portion (26) away from a user extremity. Alternatively, according to a second aspect, the safety mechanism (14) is arranged to rapidly urge an extremity of the user away from the active portion (26) of the power tool (10).

An apparatus comprising a torque wire connected to an imaging probe; and a torque limiter defining a bore, a first end of the torque limiter being in mechanical communication with a motor, a second end of the torque limiter being in mechanical communication with the torque wire, the torque wire being disposed through the bore of the torque limiter. The torque limiter comprises a member defining at least one cutout which causes the torque limiter to break when rotational force on the torque wire exceeds a predetermined amount, thereby decoupling the motor from the torque wire.

An apparatus for use in a wellbore, the apparatus comprises a top body, a bottom body, and a sleeve mechanically connected to the top and bottom bodies. The sleeve movable between a first position to a second position, whereby in the first position, the top and bottom bodies rotate as one unit and in the second position, the top body rotates independent of the bottom body in a first direction and with the bottom body in a second direction. A method for completing a wellbore, wherein the method comprises running an assembly and a liner disposed on a drill string into the wellbore. The assembly includes an expander tool, a hydraulically actuated swivel, and a running tool mechanically connected to the liner. The method includes rotating the assembly and the liner as one rotationally locked unit. The method further includes activating the expander tool, expanding the liner into the existing casing, deactivating the expander, and then removing the drill string and running assembly from the wellbore.

A detection system senses the location of a preselected color within one or more monitored zones of a machine tool. If the operator of a machine tool wears a red glove, the system detects the location of the color red and defines various monitored zones through the use of synchronization signals and a time circuit. The system can take action based on the location of the particular monitored zones in which the red glove is sensed. These actions can include the sounding of a horn, the lighting of a light, or the deactivation of the machine tool.

A connector assembly for accurately projecting fasteners for connecting two building members together while permitting limited relative motion between the members. The assembly includes a plate having one or more longitudinal slots. The plate is secured to or a part of one of the building members. The plate is connected to the other building member by fasteners projected through breakaway washers formed in the slots. The breakaway washers each have an opening for guiding the fastener and centering the fastener on the slot. Centering the fastener on the slot prevents inadvertent clamping of the plate and the other building member together so that limited relative motion is permitted.

The invention relates to a contact protection device. The device according to the invention has a sensor (5) for generating and detecting an electromagnetic field situated in the vicinity of a moving part (1) that should not be touched. The device according to the invention also has an evaluation unit (8) that is connected to the sensor (5) in order to evaluate sensor signals that can be generated by the sensor (5), wherein the evaluation unit (8) can generate an evaluation signal. Finally, a control unit (9) connected to the evaluation unit (8) is provided, which is designed and can be operated so as to control the movement of the part (1) as a function of the evaluation signal.

An air turbine starter for starting an engine includes a housing, and a flow path communicating a flow of gas therethrough; a turbine member; a clutch; and a decoupler device at least partially housed within the output member of the clutch. The decoupler device includes a first shaft portion coupled to and rotating with the output member and a second shaft portion coupled to and rotating with the engine. The first and second shaft portions are axially aligned and configured to engage each another for rotation in a first direction and to separate from each other in a second direction to decouple the output member of the clutch from the engine. The starter further includes a bearing between the inner surface of the output member and the second shaft portion for reducing friction between the second shaft portion and the inner surface of the output member when the first and second shaft portions are decoupled.

A system for powering a prosthetic arm is disclosed. The system includes at least one internal battery located in the prosthetic arm, at least one external battery connected to the prosthetic arm, and a master controller configured to connect either the at least one internal battery or the at least one external battery to a power bus to power the prosthetic arm.

Disclosed is a windshield wiper device (10), comprising a wiper bearing (16) which is essentially composed of a molded tube (18) that can be fastened to a motor vehicle by means of a fastening element (20). A wiper shaft (22) to which a wiper lever can be fastened is positioned in the molded tube (18). A predetermined breaking point (32) is provided on the fastening element (20) in such a way that the wiper bearing (16) is able to dip into the interior of the motor vehicle in case a defined and essentially axial force acts on the wiper shaft (22). The predetermined breaking point (32) is embodied as a hole in this case.

A joint assembly 80 is provided for limiting an extension of the joint 80 in the direction of a load path derived from an impact comprising. In its simplest form, the joint 80 comprises a first member 40 having a portion 82 and a second member 50 having a portion 84, the portions 82, 84 overlapping one another and arranged generally parallel to one another and secured together via securing means 78. The securing means 78 is disposed through corresponding holes 92, 94 defined by portions 82 and 84. At least one of the overlapping portions 82 or 84 further defines, sequentially in the direction of extension a pocket 102. The securing means 78 comprises a deformable member 152, 178 and at least one of the overlapping portions 82, 84 comprises a wedge-shaped portion 74. In the event of a worst-case impact load the securing means 78 is forced through the pocket 106 while the wedge-shaped portion 74 causes the deformable member 152 to deform and thereby increase the clamping force, in a progressive manner, to limit the extension of the joint assembly 80 and retain an integral joint assembly 80.

A clutch mechanism includes clutch members having an engaged position, in which torque generated by a drive is transmitted to an output, and a disengaged position, in which torque is not transmitted to the output. The clutch members are capable of slipping with respect to each other in order to prevent damage caused by overload conditions. The clutch mechanism further comprises an actuator associated with a clutch member. If the clutch members slip and a characteristic associated with slipping of the clutch members, such as the temperature rise of the slipping surfaces or the relative rotational speed of the clutch members is above a predetermined value, transmission of torque to the output is interrupted. The clutch mechanism is particularly suited for inclusion in a drive mechanism for the agitator of a surface treating appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner.

A system and method for detecting user entry into a defined danger zone surrounding a saw blade includes a non-conducting member defining an opening therein for receiving a saw blade. The non-conducting member may comprise, for example, an insert received by an opening in the work surface or table of a table saw, scroll saw, band saw, miter saw, etc. Alternatively, it may comprise the blade guard of a radial arm saw or miter saw, for example. A conductive sensor is situated on the non-conducting member adjacent the opening to define a danger zone near the saw blade. A voltage source is coupled to the sensor, and a monitor circuit is configured to detect a change in the sensor's capacitance so as to signal a user entry into the danger zone.

A building assembly utilized in connecting building members together while permitting limited relative movement between the members. The assembly includes a structure such as a track or plate that includes one or more longitudinal slots. Integrally formed in the longitudinal slot is a breakaway washer that receives a fastener that extends into an adjacent structure. When a certain force is applied to the breakaway washer, the breakaway washer breaks away from the slot and this permits the slot to move about the breakaway washer and fastener which results in there being relative movement between two connected structures.

In the aerospace field spacecraft components are held together by separation systems until a specific time when they must be separated or deployed. Customarily a threaded joining bolt engages one of the components to be joined, and a threaded nut is placed on that bolt against the other component so they can be drawn together by a releasable locking assembly. The releasable locking assembly herein includes a plunger having one end coupled to one end of a plunger bolt. The other end is flanged to abut and compress a coil spring when the plunger is advanced toward the interface plane between the two components. When the plunger is so advanced toward the interface plane, the end of the plunger bolt can be connected to the joining bolt. Thus during retraction the joining bolt is drawn to one side of the interface plane by the force of the expanding spring.