A workpiece positioning system integrated with a fume extraction device is provided. The system comprises a movable work surface assembly and a manifold. The work surface assembly includes a plurality of work surfaces and a plurality of ventilation ports. Each of the plurality of ventilation ports is disposed on each of the plurality of work surfaces to ventilate the corresponding work zone. The manifold is disposed below the work surface assembly and coupled to a duct system through which fumes produced during welding or cutting are to be transported to the fume extraction device. When a workpiece placed on a work surface is positioned for welding or cutting, the manifold is aligned and in fluid communication with the ventilation port corresponding to the work surface.

Woodworking machines and safety methods for use with those machines are disclosed. The machines include a detection system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions and a reaction system associated with the detection system. The reaction system can include an explosive to trigger the system, and also can be configured to retract a cutting tool at least partially away from a cutting region upon detection of a dangerous condition by the detection system.

A machine tool has a multiplicity of stationary tool spindles that are optionally displaceable from a retracted rest position into an extended working position are positioned at various positions in a frame-like stand which defines and comprises machining space, and has a workpiece manipulator by way of which a workpiece support is movable multi-axially in translation and preferably also in rotation. In order to create advantageous loading conditions, it proposed that a loading door is associated with at least one of the leg walls defining the machining space, and that a workpiece support holder, which is equipped with a coupling for the workpiece support, is arranged on at least one, preferably on both, loading door panel fronts.

A handheld work apparatus has an electric motor and a voltage source for operating the motor. A manual actuation element provided on a handle of the apparatus is operated by a user and is provided for activating the motor. The actuation element is connected to a control unit which controls the energy supply from the source to the motor as a function of an operating signal of the actuation element. If the control unit is in a blocking state, the energy supply to the motor is blocked independently of the operating signal of the actuation element. After receiving a control signal, the control unit switches from the blocking state to a standby state to release an energy supply to the motor. The control signal is derived from a combination of an actuation stroke and an actuation time (T.sub.B) of the actuation element. A method for activating the apparatus is also disclosed.

In a tool exchanger apparatus of a machine tool including a turret which turns around an axis inclining with respect to a vertical direction and which conveys tools, forces applied to tool gripping portions are calculated from a resultant force of a centrifugal force, gravity and an inertial force applied to each of the tools, using a weight and a position of each of the tools and a turning speed and a turning acceleration of the turret for each of turning phases when the turret turns, and the turning speed and the turning acceleration of the turret are determined for each of the turning phases.

A processing machine includes: an external cover that forms an appearance of the processing machine and defines and forms an internal space; and a safety belt connection portion that is disposed in the internal space and to which a safety belt is connectable. The external cover includes an openable lid. The safety belt connection portion is exposed to an outside of the internal space through an opening that is generated in the external cover when the lid is in an open state.

A bracket includes a bracket with a seat portion, a first and second slotted portion, and a flange portion. The seat portion defines a bracket axis. The first slotted portion and the second slotted portion are laterally offset from the seat portion of the bracket body. The second slotted portion is further axially separated from the first slotted portion by the seat portion of the bracket body. The flange portion of the bracket body extends laterally the seat portion of the bracket body in a direction opposite the first slotted portion and the second slotted portion of the bracket body. The flange portion of the bracket body further extends in parallel with the bracket axis to constrain yaw angle of an interlock switch seated on the bracket body to the bracket axis. Bracket assemblies, machinery arrangements, semiconductor processing systems, and related methods of making bracket assemblies are also described.

Grounding systems, grounding components, and methods of manufacturing, assembling, and using the same to provide dynamic and adaptable electrical grounding. In one aspect, an adaptable grounding system is provided. The grounding system may include a plurality of grounding components positioned to adaptively engage with an electrical-grounding surface, e.g., facilitating improved electrical contact. The grounding components may be mounted on a first structure which is opposite to a second structure that includes an electrical-grounding surface. The first structure and/or the second structure may be adjustable, e.g., between at least a first configuration, e.g., a non-grounded configuration, and a second configuration, e.g., a grounded configuration. The grounding systems, components, and related methods described herein may be used with different manufacturing systems and processes including those that are electrically-driven.

Grounding systems, grounding components, and methods of manufacturing, assembling, and using the same to provide dynamic and adaptable electrical grounding. In one aspect, an adaptable grounding system is provided. The grounding system may include a plurality of grounding components positioned to adaptively engage with an electrical-grounding surface, e.g., facilitating improved electrical contact. The grounding components may be mounted on a first structure which is opposite to a second structure that includes an electrical-grounding surface. The first structure and/or the second structure may be adjustable, e.g., between at least a first configuration, e.g., a non-grounded configuration, and a second configuration, e.g., a grounded configuration. The grounding systems, components, and related methods described herein may be used with different manufacturing systems and processes including those that are electrically-driven.