A power tool and methods are provided for detecting objects (e.g., flesh or other materials) in the operating path of a power tool's output component (e.g., saw blade or drill bit). An object detection sensor in the power tool generates an output signal indicative of a type of material detected in the operating path of the power tool. A power tool controller receives the object detection sensor output and determines when a material in the operating path of the power tool changes. The controller changes operation of a motor of the power tool (e.g., increasing or decreasing speed or stopping the motor) in response to the detected material change. The object detection sensor may include, for example, an RF sensor, a capacitive sensor, a camera, a conductivity probe, or an ultrasound probe.

A safety system for a power miter saw comprises a support member, at least one multidirectional manipulator including a workpiece holder member moveably mounted to the support member for securing a workpiece in place, and a control box. The workpiece holder member includes a presence indicator operatively connected to the control box and configured to detect the physical presence of a saw operator's hand on the at least one multidirectional manipulator when the saw operator's hand engages the presence indicator. The control box is operatively connectable to a trigger switch of the power miter saw so that an electric motor of the power miter saw is activated only when both the presence indicator of the safety system and the trigger switch of the power miter saw are engaged by both hands of an operator of the power miter saw.

A power tool and methods are provided for detecting objects (e.g., flesh or other materials) in the operating path of a power tool's output component (e.g., saw blade or drill bit). An object detection sensor in the power tool generates an output signal indicative of a type of material detected in the operating path of the power tool. A power tool controller receives the object detection sensor output and determines when a material in the operating path of the power tool changes. The controller changes operation of a motor of the power tool (e.g., increasing or decreasing speed or stopping the motor) in response to the detected material change. The object detection sensor may include, for example, an RF sensor, a capacitive sensor, a camera, a conductivity probe, or an ultrasound probe.

A method is provided for detecting a substance, preferably human tissue, in the vicinity of a mobile tool, wherein the substance to be detected has different electrical characteristics from a material that can be processed by the mobile tool. In the method, a change is detected in a capacitance formed by the tool and a counter electrode that is electrically insulated from the tool. A periodic change in the capacitance is detected and the change is produced by the presence of the substance in a region in relation to the tool and by a periodic change in a geometrical characteristic of the tool in this region as the tool moves.

A method for making safe the use of at least one hand-held power tool includes providing at least one item of safety information using at least one evaluation unit of an electronic safety device. The at least one item of safety information is based on at least one application-specific characteristic quantity. The electronic safety device is configured to be fastened to an extremity of a user using a fastening unit.

A power tool includes a moving implement, implement arrest mechanism, light emitters, photodetector, and controller. The controller activates a first emitter to direct light with a wavelength between 800 nm and 1100 nm on an object and identifies a first reflectance level of the object from a reflectance signal from the photodetector. The controller activates a second emitter to direct light with a wavelength between 1350 nm and 1800 nm on the object and identifies a second reflectance level of the object from the photodetector. The controller activates the implement arrest mechanism to prevent contact between the object and the moving implement if a ratio corresponding to the first identified reflectance level and the second identified reflectance level exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Power tools with conductive couplings used with active injury mitigation technology are disclosed. Systems and methods to detect degradation or failure of a conductive coupling in an AIM-enabled power tool are disclosed. Systems and methods to detect impedance of a conductive coupling in an AIM-enabled power tool are disclosed, along with systems and methods to disable such power tool in the event that the detected impedance falls outside predetermined thresholds.

A system includes at least one power tool having at least one sensor unit. The system further includes at least one mobile sensor device. The at least one mobile sensor device has at least one communication unit configured to communicate with the at least one power tool. The system further includes at least one computing unit configured to compare measurement data of the at least one sensor unit of the at least one power tool and of the at least one mobile sensor device.

A method of operating a power tool identifies motion of an implement in a power tool. The method includes obtaining a plurality of samples of an electrical signal that passes through the implement, identifying a parameter for the plurality of samples corresponding to a variation in values of predetermined groups of samples in the plurality of samples, updating a status for the implement with a first status indicating that the implement is not moving with reference to the identified parameter being less than a predetermined threshold, and updating a status for the implement with a second status indicating that the implement is moving with reference to the identified parameter being greater than the predetermined threshold.

The present disclosure provides a system and method for automatically stopping powered machinery, which employs a number of vision sensors. In one embodiment, the system includes vision sensors arranged such that they image different zones defined relative to the cutting tool. The images captured by the vision sensors are processed by the system in real time. If the user's body (e.g., hands) is deemed to be in an unsafe area relative to the cutting tool, the system is configured to automatically stop the cutting tool.