An object detection system in a saw includes an electrically conductive plate positioned at a predetermined distance from the implement, a detection circuit comprising a transformer, and a single cable connecting first terminal and second terminals of the transformer. The single cable includes a first conductor electrically connected to the first terminal of the winding and to the electrically conductive plate, a second conductor electrically connected to the implement, and an electrical insulator positioned between the first conductor and the second conductor.

A power tool having an integrated control system includes a workpiece supporting surface, a cutting instrument extendable above the workpiece supporting surface, a guard assembly securable above the workpiece supporting surface for covering at least a portion of the cutting instrument, a motor coupled with the cutting instrument, and a power switch operable for starting the motor for driving the cutting instrument. The power tool includes a control system in communication with the guard assembly for determining if the guard assembly is installed. Before the motor is started, the control system automatically disables the motor if it determines that the guard assembly is not installed. The control system includes a bypass switch for enabling starting of the motor when the guard assembly is not installed.

One embodiment of the invention disclosed herein provides techniques for assisting with performing a task within a smart workspace environment. A smart workspace system includes a memory that includes a workspace management application. The smart workspace system further includes a processor that is coupled to the memory and, upon executing the workspace management application, is configured to perform various steps. The processor detects that a first step included in a plurality of steps associated with a task is being performed. The processor displays one or more information panels associated with performing the current step. The processor further communicates with augmented safety glasses, augmented tools, and an augmented toolkit to safely and efficiently through a series of steps to complete the task.

A power tool with a rotatable tool in the form of a saw blade or milling cutter, including a sensor device for detecting a mechanical vector quantity, where the mechanical vector quantity includes a force, an acceleration, a velocity, a deflection, a deformation and/or a mechanical stress and the mechanical vector quantity depends on a force emanating from the tool, and a control device which is communicatively coupled to the sensor device and is adapted to recognize an event and/or a state of the power tool according to a direction and/or change of direction of the mechanical vector quantity detected by the sensor device.

One embodiment of the invention disclosed herein provides techniques for assisting with performing a task within a smart workspace environment. A smart workspace system includes a memory that includes a workspace management application. The smart workspace system further includes a processor that is coupled to the memory and, upon executing the workspace management application, is configured to perform various steps. The processor detects that a first step included in a plurality of steps associated with a task is being performed. The processor displays one or more information panels associated with performing the current step. The processor further communicates with augmented safety glasses, augmented tools, and an augmented toolkit to safely and efficiently through a series of steps to complete the task.

An apparatus configured for use with a first power cord, a second power cord and safety glasses including a first wireless communication device. The apparatus includes at least one line conductor, an electrical isolation device configured to prevent current flow in the at least one line conductor, a second wireless communication device configured to wirelessly couple to the first wireless communication device and a body housing the electrical isolation device and the second wireless communication device. The body includes a collar configured to move in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis while coupled to the body. The collar includes an interior wall that defines a hollow region sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the body therein, the collar configured to secure to one of the female electrical socket and the male electrical plug with the respective one of first power cord and the second power cord electrically coupled to the distal end of the body and the collar at least partially extended from the body in a direction of the distal end. The electrical isolation device is configured to allow current flow in the at least one line conductor when the information provided by the wireless signal indicates that the safety glasses are being worn by the user.

An example material testing system includes: an actuator configured to control an operator-accessible component of the material testing system; and one or more processors configured to: control the actuator based on at least one of an operator command or a material testing process; determine, based on a plurality of inputs, a state of the material testing system from a plurality of predetermined states, the predetermined states comprising one or more unrestricted states and one or more restricted states; when the state of the material testing system is one of the restricted states, enforce a restriction on the actuator; and in response to completion of an action involving controlling the actuator, automatically set the state of the material testing system to one of the restricted states.

A capacitive sensor for detecting at a surface that an object is approaching which is designed to be flexurally rigid and/or torsionally rigid. The capacitive sensor includes a circuit carrier and/or a spacer element and/or a carrier. In this case, the circuit carrier is designed to be flexurally rigid and/or torsionally rigid and/or the spacer element is designed to be flexurally rigid and/or torsionally rigid and/or the carrier is designed to be flexurally rigid and/or torsionally rigid. The circuit carrier is in the form of a circuit board and is used for making electrical contact with the electrically conductive surfaces of the capacitive sensor. The spacer element is situated between the electrically conductive surfaces and the circuit carrier. The carrier is designed for connecting the capacitive sensor to a machine part, in particular to a machine part of an industrial robot.

An apparatus for use with an item of personal protective equipment, where the item of personal protective equipment includes a sensor configured to detect when the personal protective equipment is being worn properly by the user. The apparatus is housed within a hand-held power tool that includes a power circuit. The apparatus includes an electrical isolation device configured to prevent current flow in at least one conductor included in the power circuit; a wireless communication device configured to wirelessly couple to a wireless communication device included in the personal protective equipment. The wireless communication device is configured to receive a wireless signal transmitted from the wireless communication device included the personal protective equipment, the wireless signal providing information concerning whether the user is wearing the item of personal protective equipment properly. The electrical isolation device operates to allow current flow in the at least one conductor when the information provided by the wireless signal indicates that the item of personal protective equipment is being worn properly by the user.

Machine vision apparatus tracks a distinctive object in relation to a hazardous location on a work surface of a modified band saw in two, three, or four (3-D+T) dimensions, and calculates whether to send an immediate shut-down signal to the band saw. Cameras and an image processor are mounted on the band saw. The signal causes an integrated blade-arresting or stopping mechanism to immediately shift the idler wheel, removing blade tension and disconnecting the blade which is then braked to a complete, safe stop before an approaching blue-gloved hand can touch the blade.