Patent ID: 6325195
Filing Date: 2001-12-04
Classification: F16P,Y10S

Abstract:
A machine tool guard system for placement between a machine tool operator and the operative parts of a machine tool, said system having a safety guard unit, comprising:a first side track member and a second side track member, each track member having a top, a bottom, an inner side, an outer side, a front portion and a rear portion, each of said side track members disposed generally vertical;a rotatable reel disposed near said tops of said first and second side track members, said reel having a first end a second end defining a length therebetween;a flexible panel having a top, a bottom and first and second sides, said panel attached at its top to said reel;a power source;a reversible motor powered by said power source, said motor in a first mode disposed to rotate said reel in one direction to drive said panel downward in front of said operative parts of said machine tool between said machine tool operator and said machine tool; and in a second mode to reverse rotation of said reel to roll said panel up onto said reel; and,a control means adapted to be coupled to the machine tool and disposed such that power is provided to the machine tool only when the panel is in the fully closed position, and such that power to the machine tool is interrupted when the panel is moved from the fully closed position, thereby preventing the operator from gaining access to the machine tool while it is powered.