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.

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.

Power tools and methods of operating power tools are disclosed herein. The power tools include a motor including a motor shaft configured to rotate about a shaft rotational axis. The power tools also include a sensor assembly configured to generate a differential voltage signal that is indicative of a distance between an individual and a cutting tool being less than a threshold distance. The sensor assembly also is configured to produce a sensor assembly output that is based upon the differential voltage signal. The power tools further include an analysis circuit configured to receive the sensor assembly output and to generate a trigger signal responsive to the sensor assembly output being outside a nominal sensor assembly output range. The power tools also include a mechanical reaction mechanism configured to insulate the individual from the cutting tool responsive to receipt of the trigger signal.

The disclosure relates to a machine tool having a driveable tool and having a detection system for detecting contact between the tool and a user. The detection system has an excitation device for applying an excitation voltage signal to the tool, a current sensor for generating a current sensor signal that represents an electric current consumed by the tool, and a processing device for processing the current sensor signal in order to detect contact between the tool and the user. The processing device has an analog-to-digital converter and further devices arranged downstream of the analog-to-digital converter, comprising an IQ demodulator, a filter device and an evaluation device. The current sensor signal is able to be digitized using the analog-to-digital converter and processed in digital form using the further devices. The disclosure furthermore relates to a detection system for a machine tool.

Method for detecting a change in the environment near at least one portion of a hoisting, traction or boundary cable which conducts electricity. The change in the environment is linked to the relative movement of at least one person, animal or object with respect to the portion. The method includes the step of detecting a variation in the capacitance of the portion. The variation is representative of the movement.

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 safety device is provided for monitoring at least one machine that has at least one sensor for generating sensor data on the machine and a processing unit for the sensor data that is connected at least indirectly to the sensor and to the machine and that is configured as a runtime environment having at least one computing node and to allow at least one logic unit to run on the computing node, wherein at least one logic unit comprises a safety functional unit for a safety relevant evaluation of the sensor data to output in the case of a safety relevant event a safety signal to the machine for triggering a safety response, In this respect, the processing unit is furthermore configured to generate and resolve logic units and/or to assign them to a computing node.

A method for capacitive detection of nearby objects that may be located in the environment of an equipment provided with a capacitive detection device including a detection step, called discriminative detection step, including the following operations: polarizing a first nearby object at a first alternating potential (V1), different from a ground potential (M), and from the potential of at least one second nearby object, at a first frequency (F1); and determining a first discriminative signal representative of a capacitance, called electrode-object capacitance, seen by the at least one measurement electrode, at said first frequency (F1).

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 laser interlock system and allows laser radiation to be generated when an inspector and a subject correctly wear safety glasses and during use of a photo-acoustic imaging apparatus, thereby protecting the eyes of the inspector and the subject and preventing unnecessary power consumption. The laser interlock system includes a sensing unit to sense whether or not contact between a user and safety glasses occurs, a light source unit to generate a laser, and a control unit that determines, based on an output value from the sensing unit, whether or not the user is wearing the safety glasses normally, and generates an interlock signal to turn on or off the light source unit for selective laser generation according to the determination.