Patent ID: 7231858
Filing Date: 2007-06-19
Classification: B23D,B27B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A table saw having a measurement and display system, comprising: a frame structure having a main table top, a front, a back and two sides; a circular saw rotatable around an axis, mounted in said frame structure and extendable through an opening in said table top, said saw being vertically and angularly adjustable in said frame structure; a motor supported by said frame structure operatively connected to drive said circular saw; an elongated fence rail positioned adjacent said front of said frame structure; a fence releasibly attached to said fence rail and extending over said table top; a sensor strip connected to said fence rail, said rail having said sensor strip configured to provide digital signals that are indicative of specific positions along the length thereof; a sensing unit movable along said sensor strip and operatively connected to said fence, said sensing unit generating signals indicative of the specific longitudinal position of said fence; a switch operatively connected to a processing unit for establishing a reference position when activated; a processing unit connected to said sensing unit for receiving said position indicating signals and for calculating the distance between said fence and said reference position and for generating display signals indicative of said calculated distance; a display unit electrically connected to said processing unit configured to receive said display signals and provide a digital display of said calculated distance; and a member physically connecting said sensing unit, said display unit and said processing unit together, said fence having a fixed elongated protrusion configured to engage a recess in said member when said fence is lowered onto said fence rail, whereby said fence cannot be moved relative to said member in the longitudinal direction of said fence rail, said protrusion separating from said recess when said fence is lifted from said fence rail.