An improved long range coil and driver assembly for a magnetic field generator wherein the driver and coil generate a large magnetic field is provided. The coil and driver assembly includes a source impedance control network which includes a plurality of pairs of resistors and amorphous noise suppression devices, and a coil that utilizes a unique basket weave winding pattern to reduce the effect of the back EMF from one wire on the adjoining wires, thereby reducing the impedance of the coil. The reduced impedance and improved impedance control increases the current that can flow creating a larger field.

The invention relates to a complex proximity safety and warning system. The invention provides a safety system comprising a generator that generates a magnetic field that establishes a boundary, where the generator is capable of receiving radio frequency signals. Also provided is a radio frequency device that sends radio frequency signals, the radio frequency device being capable of sensing the magnetic field and generating a radio frequency response.

An apparatus for identifying when an individual is in proximity to an object having a length has a sensor portion having a wire loop through which electric current runs and creates an electromagnetic field that emanates about the wire loop. The wire loop extending along at least a third of the length of the object. The apparatus has a personal alarm device that is worn by the individual which detects the presence of the magnetic field emanating from the wire loop when the personal alarm device is in the magnetic field and produces a signal indicating the personal alarm device is within the magnetic field. Alternatively, the sensor portion extends from a contiguous boundary up to 500 meters, where the boundary has a geometry that is linear or meandering. A head piece for an individual's head. A method for identifying when an individual is in proximity to an object. A field extension module. A proximity device.

A safety system prevents cutting machine operators from being accidentally carried through the infeed chute into the machine's cutting mechanism. An operator wears a safety device on his wrist and/or ankle and a sensor array mounts on opposing sides of the cutting machine's infeed chute. The sensor array elements are wound in opposite directions and connect in series opposing. The magnetic field of the safety device induces a current in the sensor array as it moves in the proximity of the sensor array. The safety system generates a signal which is proportional to the sum of the induced currents. When the signal exceeds a threshold, the safety system shuts off power to the feed mechanism and/or the cutting blades of the cutting machine, preventing injury to the operator.

A safety system for a machine having a danger zone includes an induction coil having one or more turns extending along the periphery of a part of a worker's body as, for example, extending alone the fingers of a glove worn by the worker. A drive circuit applies a time-varying current having an identifiable characteristic such as the frequency of an alternating current. A magnetic field having the characteristic of the time-varying current is induced in an omnidirectional magnetic field sensor mounted adjacent the danger zone. The magnitude of this field is monitored. When the magnitude exceeds a threshold, a warning signal is issued and protective action may be taken, such as stopping or reversing the machine.

A robot with a noncontact sensor is configured to: perform the predetermined motion in a state where the moving object does not enter, and thereby store, for each of a plurality of measurement points set in a movable range of the robot, an output value of the noncontact sensor as a reference output value in advance, and stop the predetermined motion when the output value of the noncontact sensor changes from the reference output value at the measurement point closest to a current operating position of the robot by a first threshold value or larger when the robot is performing the predetermined motion in a state where the moving object could possibly enter and the current operating position of the robot is in a range in which it is necessary to determine an entering state of the moving object.

The invention relates to a complex proximity safety and warning system. The invention provides a safety system comprising a generator that generates a magnetic field that establishes a boundary, where the generator is capable of receiving radio frequency signals. Also provided is a radio frequency device that sends radio frequency signals, the radio frequency device being capable of sensing the magnetic field and generating a radio frequency response.

Traffic control systems and methods to improve safety are disclosed. The systems, in some example aspects, include a first magnetic field generator mounted over an aisle for generating a first zone magnetic field defining a first zone. The methods, in some example aspects, include generating a first zone magnetic field defining a first zone by a first magnetic field generator mounted over an aisle. Other aspects include generating, and/or including a controller to generate, control signals to reduce the speed of a vehicle, and/or reduce the size of a danger zone.

Machines with safety systems are disclosed. The machine may take the form of woodworking machines including table saws, band saws, miter saws, hand-held circular saws, pneumatic chop saws, radial-arm saws, jointers, planars, routers and shapers. The machines may include an operative structure configured to perform a task, where the operative structure includes a cutting tool adapted to move in at least one motion, and a safety system adapted to detect the occurrence of an unsafe condition between a person and the cutting tool and for mitigating the unsafe condition. The safety system may include a detection subsystem and a reaction subsystem. The machine may also include a bypass or override mode where in an injury mitigation system is disabled for certain cuts.

The invention relates to a complex proximity safety and warning system. The invention provides a safety system comprising a generator that generates a magnetic field that establishes a boundary, where the generator is capable of receiving radio frequency signals. Also provided is a radio frequency device that sends radio frequency signals, the radio frequency device being capable of sensing the magnetic field and generating a radio frequency response.