Abstract:
The invention is directed to a power chain saw incorporating a braking device having a release handle. The chain saw includes a carrying handle spaced a distance from the release handle. At least one of the handles is made of a plastically deformable material and can be deformed so as to cause the spacing between the handles to be adjusted within predetermined limits.
Abstract:
A portable power tool includes a manually actuable safety lever and an inertial safety system for activating a brake of the tool to provide a more effective safety arrangement. A first spring applies the brake when the safety lever contacts the hand, wrist or arm of an operator during "kick-back" or like violent movement of the tool. A second spring is operable independently of the safety lever for also releasing the first spring. An inertia mass is displaceable effectively independently of the safety lever when the brake is in the inoperative condition. This inertia mass releases the second spring, so releasing the first spring and applying the brake, upon occurrence of "kick-back" or the like. Preferably, the second spring operates a hammer release mechanism for striking a locking lever releasably retaining the safety lever. A band brake of a chain saw or circular saw may particularly be operated in this manner.
Abstract:
A protective device for a band saw machine is secured to the guards which are normally found on such machines. The device extends downwardly from the guards to the plane of the table, on which the blocks to be cut are placed. The device encloses the band saw and prevents inadvertent contact therewith. The device comprises two members, a fixed member secured to the guard and a movable member secured to the fixed member. The movable member is locked to the fixed member. When a block contacts the device the movable member is released until the block has been cut. The movable member returns to the locked position after the block has been cut.
Abstract:
A guard member is mounted on the chain saw for swinging movement between an actuate position and a reset position. The guard member occupies a normal position between the actuate and reset positions. A brake band is integral with a bowed column spring which applies the braking force to arrest movement of the cutting chain. A latching mechanism includes an arm with a latch pin engaged by a yieldable latch finger; this latch finger is integral with the bowed column spring. The guard member deflects the latch finger in response to movement of the guard to its actuate position; this action allows the column spring to apply the brake. The guard member is moved to its actuate position in response to a sudden movement of the chain saw, as in the case of "kickback"; this movement of the guard member is brought about by inertia or the engagement of the guard with the operator's body (most likely the wrist or the back of his hand) during this abrupt movement of the chain saw. Manual swinging of the guard to its reset position deactivates the brake and re-establishes the latch.
Abstract:
Method and apparatus for arresting the movement of a chain saw cutter chain wherein control energy is developed by the chain saw engine, stored, and used to disable a chain saw brake mechanism.Method and apparatus for arresting the movement of a chain saw cutter chain wherein an inertia device, independent of chain saw operator manipulation, serves to actuate the release of chain saw engine developed and stored energy, with the energy release functioning to actuate a chain saw brake.Method and apparatus for arresting the movement of a chain saw cutter chain wherein a pressurized body of fluid is generated by chain saw operation and is employed to actuate a chain saw brake.
Abstract:
A portable chain saw includes a flexible brake band for stopping the cutter chain. A sensing arm is engageable by an arm or hand of an operator to be swung forwardly to tighten the brake band. The sensing arm is continuously biased forwardly to a braking position by a power torsion spring. The same torsion spring also serves to normally hold the sensing arm in a rest position. A latch can be utilized to transmit latching forces from the torsion spring to the sensing arm. Alternatively, the torsion spring itself can serve as a latch to resist forward movement of the sensing arm. The torsion spring is yieldable to enable the sensing arm to be unlatched in response to being struck by the arm or hand of an operator and then swung forwardly by the torsion spring.
Abstract:
A saw blade guard is movable between an upper housing and a generally horizontal work support table disposed below and spaced from the housing. An unconfined portion of a blade is disposed between the housing and work table, the blade guard forming a barrier between the unconfined blade portion and an operator. The guard is in the form of a channel-shaped member disposed in confronting relation and spaced from the blade to present a barrier between the blade and the operator. The upper portion of the channel member is slidably mounted for vertical movement. The guard member is fully extended in full guard position when the member extends from the housing to a position adjacent the work table and may be manually raised to any desired degree of elevation along the otherwise exposed edge of the blade to thereby provide access to a selected portion thereof for operation on a work piece. A solenoid, mounted on the housing is connected to an engaging slide member which controllably engages a toothed rack mounted lengthwise on the guard member. The engaging slide member, controlled by the solenoid, engages the toothed rack to maintain the guard member at a selected vertical position above the work table when the saw is in operation and releases the guard member and permits the same to drop to the level of the work table under the action of gravity to substantially enclose the blade when the saw is not in operation.
Abstract:
A safety device for protecting an operator''s hands from the cutting edge of the blade of a band saw characterized by a shield disposed in a protective relationship with the blade and supported for rectilinear reciprocation along a path paralleling the plane of the blade, a double-acting pneumatic cylinder for imparting rectilinear motion to the shield, and a feeler disposed in juxtaposition with the shield and connected therewith for initiating operation of the cylinder in response to an engagement therewith of a selected workpiece as the workpiece is advanced toward the blade.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for preventing injury to the hand of an operator working with a chain saw, of the type having a frame with a frame handle and a control handle, a guide rail or more conventionally termed a ''''guide bar,'''' a cutting chain and power means mounted on the frame and operably connected to the cutting chain for driving the cutting chain on the guide rail. The apparatus includes a bail handle actuation system which performs the dual function of blocking movement of the operator''s hand toward the cutting chain and actuating a brake to immediately stop movement of the chain. The brake is self-locking and upon actuation jams to instantly stop movement of the chain and stall out the chain saw power means. The method includes the steps of blocking movement of the operator''s hand toward the cutting chain, actuating a selflocking brake and braking the cutting chain to an immediate stop.