Patent ID: 8424429

Claim:
A table saw configured to retract a saw blade in response to an activation signal from a normal operating position, where the saw blade extends out of an opening in a table top of the table saw, into a retracted position in which an upper reach of the saw blade is positioned below the table top, the table saw comprising: a plate mounted to the table saw below the table top; an arm pivotally mounted to the plate about a first shaft; an arbor engageable with the saw blade, wherein the arbor is mounted to the arm at a location spaced a distance from the first shaft; a firing mechanism comprising: a barrel comprising a bore; and an extendable piston positioned at least partially within the bore, wherein the extendable piston, during its extension, is configured to cause the arm to pivot about the first shaft when the firing mechanism is activated by the activation signal, and wherein the pivoting of the arm causes the saw blade to move downwardly below the table top into the retracted position; and a catch configured to operably prevent the saw blade from rebounding upwardly above the table top after the saw blade moves into the retracted position.