A method and apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises saw for cutting the window blind. A clamp assembly moves the window covering relative to the saw. A controller moves the clamp assembly to automatically position the window covering relative to the saw. The saw is moved into engagement with the window covering to cut the window covering.

Various safety systems for power tools, and in particular table saws include detection systems for detecting a dangerous condition relative to a blade of the power tool, reaction systems for taking mitigation action in response to detection of a dangerous condition. The safety system may detect, prevent, and/or mitigate a dangerous condition associated with the power tool.

A method for controlling a sawing machine is provided. For a first cut in a workpiece, a working feed rate that is specific to the workpiece geometry, the workpiece material and the sawing tool is defined in advance. During the first cut, an instantaneous value of a physical variable is determined at a frequency converter, that is related to the torque transmitted by the sawing tool drive to the sawing tool, and this value is transmitted as an instantaneous torque value to a machine controller. The instantaneous torque value is continuously evaluated, a maximum torque value of the first cut is determined and a maximum value for the torque value is defined based thereon. For subsequent cuts in the same workpiece, the working feed rate is regulated, using the instantaneous torque value as a regulating variable, such that the instantaneous torque value is kept constant, close to the maximum valve.

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 method for cutting a preform usable for production of a turbomachine part and including a weaving of a plurality of threads, the threads including single threads that are visually identifiable, along a cutting contour calculated based on a preform model in which the threads have a reference arrangement, the method including: taking an image of the preform; processing the image to determine a deviation in an arrangement of the threads which are visually identifiable relative to the reference layout; correcting the cutting contour according to the deviation; and cutting the preform along the corrected cutting contour.

Table saws are disclosed. The table saws can include a blade, an arbor, an arbor block, an elevation carriage, and a latch that connects the arbor block and the elevation carriage. The arbor block can have a first position in which the latch connects the arbor block and the elevation carriage, and a second position in which the latch does not connect the arbor block and the elevation carriage. The arbor block can pivot from the first position to the second position upon the occurrence of a retraction force. The table saw can include an actuator to cause the occurrence of the retraction force, and detection electronics to detect contact between the blade and a person. Woodworking machines with detection and reaction systems are also disclosed. A reaction system can include an explosive that causes retraction of a cutting tool.

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.

Table saws with safety systems are disclosed. The safety systems detect and react to dangerous conditions, such as contact between the blade and a person. The table saws may include a switch, a first light that illuminates to indicate the safety system is operable, and a second light that illuminates to indicate that the safety system is inoperable. The switch may not power the saw when switched on if the second light is illuminated.

A method and apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises saw for cutting the window blind. A clamp assembly moves the window covering relative to the saw. A controller moves the clamp assembly to automatically position the window covering relative to the saw. The saw is moved into engagement with the window covering to cut the window covering.

An automated hair cutting system includes a hair cutting device having a cutter head, the hair cutting device being configured to cut hair extending from a surface of a head of a user of the automated hair cutting system; a positioning sensor attached to the hair cutting device; a positioning device having a structure, the structure is configured to secure to the surface of the head of the user; and a positioning interface attached to the positioning device structure.