Brake cartridges for power equipment

Abstract

Safety systems for power equipment and components and brake cartridges for use in those safety systems are disclosed. The safety systems, components and brake cartridges are specifically applicable for woodworking equipment such as saws. An exemplary brake cartridge includes a housing and a braking component configured to engage a moving part of the power tool upon occurrence of a predetermined event. The brake cartridge may further include a switch configured so that proper installation of the cartridge in the power tool triggers the switch.

1 . A brake cartridge for use in safety systems for power tools, where the brake cartridge includes a housing and a braking component configured to engage a moving part of the power tool upon occurrence of a predetermined event, and where the brake cartridge further includes means for determining whether the cartridge is properly installed in a power tool. 
     
     
         2 . A brake cartridge for use in safety systems for power tools, where the brake cartridge includes a housing and a braking component configured to engage a moving part of the power tool upon occurrence of a predetermined event, and where the brake cartridge further includes a switch configured so that proper installation of the cartridge in a power tool triggers the switch. 
     
     
         3 . The brake cartridge of  claim 2  where the switch is a tactile switch. 
     
     
         4 . The brake cartridge of  claim 2  further comprising a switch contactor. 
     
     
         5 . The brake cartridge of  claim 2  where the switch includes a contact button and where the brake cartridge further comprises a switch contactor configured to contact the contact button. 
     
     
         6 . The brake cartridge of  claim 5  where the switch contactor is configured to move into and out of contact with the contact button. 
     
     
         7 . A cartridge for use in safety systems for power tools, where the cartridge includes a housing and a component configured to perform a predetermined action upon occurrence of a predetermined event, and where the cartridge further includes means for determining whether the cartridge is properly installed in a power tool.