Table saw having a measurement and display system

Abstract

A table saw having various embodiments of a measurement and display system. Several embodiments have at least one fence rail on which a removable fence is movably supported and comprise an elongated sensor strip that is located adjacent the fence rail and a sensing unit that is supported and positioned adjacent to the sensor strip and is capable of providing an electrical signal to a display unit that is indicative of the position of the sensor unit relative to the elongated sensor strip. A processing unit is operatively connected to the sensing unit and display unit to provide a digital readout of the position of the sensing unit. A switch is connected to the processing unit and is adapted to provide a zero or reference setting position.

1 . A linear measurement and display system for a table saw of the type which has a removable fence that is laterally adjustable relative to the blade of the saw along a fence rail located on the front of the table saw, said system comprising: 
 a rotational position transducer unit having a retractable flexible elongated member extending from the unit, said unit being configured to provide signals that are indicative of the length that said elongated member extends from said unit;    one of said position transducer unit and said elongated member being operatively connected to the fence and the other being operatively connected to the table saw and oriented to extend and retract said member relative to said unit as said fence is moved along the fence rail;    a processing unit in communication with said position transducer unit for receiving said signals and for calculating the distance between said fence and a reference position and for generating display signals indicative of said calculated distance;    a switch operatively connected to said processing unit for establishing a reference position when activated; and    a display unit electrically connected to said processing unit configured to receive said display signals and provide a digital display of said calculated distance.    
   
   
       2 . A system as defined in  claim 1  wherein said position transducer unit is electrically connected to said processing unit.  
   
   
       3 . A system as defined in  claim 1  wherein said position transducer unit is remotely located from said processing unit, said system further comprising a transmitting means operatively connected to said position transducer unit for transmitting information corresponding to said length indicating signals and a receiving means operatively associated with said processing unit for receiving said length indicating signals.  
   
   
       4 . A system as defined in  claim 3  wherein said transmitting means transmits infrared signals which are received by said receiving means.  
   
   
       5 . A system as defined in  claim 1  wherein said elongated member comprises a flexible tape.  
   
   
       6 . A system as defined in  claim 1  wherein said elongated member comprises a flexible cable  
   
   
       7 . A system as defined in  claim 1  wherein said position transducer unit is located adjacent said display unit.  
   
   
       8 . A system as defined in  claim 1  wherein said display unit is connected to the fence.