GB2587774A

GB2587774A - Arborist apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2587774A
Application number: GB1908257.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sutherland Greig
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-06-10
Filing date: 2019-06-10
Publication date: 2021-04-14
Also published as: GB201908257D0

Abstract

A safety system, for a cutting apparatus such as a chainsaw, comprises of at least one wearable device or garment 12 having at least one signal emitter 14. The system also comprises the cutting apparatus 10 having a brake 18 and a signal detector 22 in communication with a processor 20 which controls the brake 18 in response to the signal detector 22 detecting a predetermined or pre-set threshold strength of signal emitted by the signal emitter 14. Also claimed is a safety system, a cutting apparatus and a wearable power generation device or garment comprising of at least one thermoelectric generator which converts body heat energy to electrical energy. The electrical energy may be supplied to a power tool battery.

Description

ARBORIST APPARATUS

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to arborist, tree surgery, forestry, landscaping and/or gardening apparatus and/or equipment. The present invention particularly, though not exclusively, relates to a safety system or accident prevention system for a cutting apparatus or tool such as a chainsaw.

BACKGROUND TO INVENTION

It is known to provide chainsaw protection by slowing down a moving chain of a chainsaw so as to seek to prevent or reduce injury using layers of cut proof fabric or material, e.g. in the form of protective clothing. The chain catches the fabric, causing the moving chain to stall. This form of chainsaw protection is, by design, very difficult to cut. Therefore, if injury does occur, access to a wound to carry out first aid can be hampered.

Different classes of protection are available (0, 1, 2, and 3). The chain speed in metres per second is used to determine the class of protection required. Class 1 is the most commonly used class of protection. Class 1 is generally only worn on the legs. Class 1 upper body protection is available, however it is rarely used due to heat and dexterity issues. This leaves the upper body vulnerable to injury. Forearm injury is common place, as is death from chainsaw injury, in the carrying out of arboricultural work.

Upper body chainsaw protection is commonly thick and heavy, which limits dexterity and can cause heat exhaustion issues on warm days, therefore such is used less than is recommended by industry experts and legislation. As a result, many people are under-protected during chainsaw use.

Existing cut proof suits, trousers and clothing are also expensive to purchase, and if the cut proof material is damaged in any way then the clothing must be put out of service and replaced. Generally, cut proof material cannot be repaired.

It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to provide chainsaw protection that addresses the aforementioned issues.

It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to obviate and/or mitigate one or more problems and/or disadvantages in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

First invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a safety system or accident prevention system for a cutting apparatus such as a chainsaw. The system may comprise at least one wearable device or garment comprising at least one signal emitter. The system may further comprise a cutting apparatus. The cutting apparatus may comprise a moveable cutting arrangement, a cutting arrangement brake for preventing, stopping and/or slowing down movement of the cutting arrangement, a processor for controlling the cutting arrangement brake, and a signal detector in communication with the processor. The processor may be operable to activate the cutting arrangement brake in response to the signal detector detecting a predetermined or pre-set threshold strength of signal emitted by the signal emitter.

The cutting apparatus may beneficially comprise a manually/personally wieldable/operable cutting apparatus and/or a chainsaw.

The cutting arrangement may comprise a cutting chain.

The cutting arrangement brake may comprise a chain brake.

The safety system may reduce the risk of a moving cutting arrangement of a cutting apparatus coming into contact with a user by applying the cutting arrangement brake when the cutting arrangement is in such proximity to the user that the detected signal is over the predetermined or pre-set threshold strength. Such may therefore reduce the risk of injury to the user.

In an embodiment, the signal detector may be located adjacent or proximal the cutting arrangement. The at least one signal emitter may comprise a plurality of signal emitters provided or distributed on or across the garment. The distribution of the signal emitters may allow for activation of the cutting arrangement brake when the cutting arrangement is in dangerous proximity to an/any area of the user and/or the garment. In an embodiment, the or each signal emitter may be removable. The or each signal emitter may be a replaceable component, e.g. to facilitate extending the life of the safety system.

In an embodiment, the cutting apparatus safety system may comprise a controller. The controller may be operable to select the predetermined signal strength. A user or another person, e.g. a tutor to the user, may (pre)select the predetermined signal strength using the controller. The controller may be operable to control the strength of the signal emitted by the signal emitter. The predetermined signal strength at which the cutting arrangement brake may be activated may be selected depending on the skill level of the chainsaw user.

A safe proximity of the cutting arrangement to the user may be less for an experienced user than for a novice user. The threshold signal strength may be set higher for an experienced user such that the cutting arrangement brake may be activated when the cutting arrangement is in closer proximity to the user. The threshold signal strength may be set lower for a novice user such that the cutting arrangement brake may be activated when the cutting chain is in further proximity from the user.

In an embodiment, the controller may comprise an indicator that the signal emitters are operational. The controller may comprise a fault detection module to determine any faults with any of the signal emitters. The controller may comprise a fault indicator to provide a user with information about a fault detected by the fault detection module.

In an embodiment, the controller may be located on the wearable device or garment, or separate from the wearable device or garment. The controller may be removably mountable on the wearable device or garment by a releasable mechanical, electrical and/or data connector. The safety system or apparatus may comprise a local wireless data network. The controller may be operable to communicate with the processor via the local wireless data network. The wireless data network may allow the controller to communicate with the processor when the controller is separate from the wearable device or garment.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a cutting apparatus, such as a chainsaw. The cutting apparatus may comprise a moveable cutting arrangement, a cutting arrangement brake for preventing movement of the cutting arrangement, a processor for controlling the cutting arrangement brake, and a signal detector in communication with the processor. The processor may be operable to activate the cutting arrangement brake in response to the signal detector detecting a predetermined threshold strength of signal emitted by a signal emitter.

The cutting apparatus may be adapted to comprise a cutting apparatus for use in the system according to the first aspect of the present invention.

The cutting arrangement may comprise a cutting chain. The cutting arrangement brake may comprise a chain brake.

In an embodiment, the signal detector may be located adjacent or proximal the cutting arrangement According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a wearable device or garment comprising at least one signal emitter.

The wearable device or garment may be adapted to comprise a wearable device or garment for use in the system according to the second aspect of the present invention.

The at least one signal emitter may comprise a plurality of signal emitters provided or distributed on or across the garment.

In an embodiment, the or each signal emitter may be removable. The or each signal emitter may be a replaceable component.

Second invention According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a safety apparatus or system for a cutting apparatus such as a chainsaw. The safety apparatus may comprise at least one signal emitter, a signal detector and a processor. The processor may provide a first signal corresponding to a first predetermined threshold signal strength detected by the signal detector and a second signal corresponding to a second predetermined threshold signal strength detected by the signal detector.

The/each signal emitter may be provided on a/a respective wearable device or garment The signal detector and/or the processor may be provided on a cutting apparatus.

In an embodiment, the/each signal emitter may be removable. The/each signal emitter may be a replaceable component, e.g. to facilitate extending the life of the safety system.

The first signal may be a first control signal.

In an embodiment, the safety apparatus may further comprise a light emitter and/or a sound emitter. The first control signal may activate the light emitter and/or the sound emitter. This may alert a user of the safety apparatus to a potentially or imminently dangerous situation.

In an embodiment, the safety apparatus may be a chainsaw safety apparatus. The cutting apparatus may comprise a chainsaw. The chainsaw safety apparatus may comprise at least one wearable device or garment. The signal detector may be located on the chainsaw. The/each signal emitter may be located on the/each wearable device or garment.

The second signal may be a second control signal.

In an embodiment, the cutting apparatus (chainsaw) may comprise a moveable cutting arrangement (chain) and cutting arrangement (chain) brake for slowing movement of the cutting arrangement (chain). The second control signal may activate the cutting arrangement (chain) brake.

The second predetermined threshold signal strength may be higher than the first predetermined threshold signal strength.

In an embodiment, the cutting apparatus safety system may further comprise a controller. The controller may be operable to select the first and second predetermined threshold signal strengths. A user or other person, e.g. a tutor to the user, may select the first and second predetermined threshold signal strengths using the controller. The controller may be operable to control the strength of the signal emitted by the signal emitter.

In an embodiment, the controller may be located on the wearable device or garment, or separate from the wearable device or garment. The controller may be removably mountable on the wearable device or garment by a releasable mechanical, electrical and/or data connector. The safety apparatus or system may comprise a local wireless data network. The controller may be operable to communicate with the processor via the local wireless data network. The wireless data network allows the controller to communicate with the processor when the controller is separate from the garment.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a cutting apparatus comprising a signal detector and/or a processor for use in the apparatus or system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a wearable device or garment comprising at least one signal emitter for use in the apparatus or system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention.

Third invention According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a wearable power generation device or garment comprising at least one thermoelectric generator. The or each thermoelectric generator may be operable to convert heat energy from body heat of a wearer of the device or garment in use to electrical energy.

The device or garment may comprise a device or garment adapted for use in one or more of the aforementioned aspects of the present invention.

The wearable device or garment may comprise a battery. The electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric generators may be stored in the battery.

In an embodiment, the device or garment may comprise a pocket. The thermoelectric generator may be located in the pocket. The pocket may be located on the device or garment such that in use at least one of the at least one thermoelectric generators is adjacent a user's back or chest. The thermoelectric generator may be located such that the heat energy available for conversion to electrical energy is sought to be increased or maximised.

In an embodiment, the thermoelectric generator may be removable. The battery may be removable. The thermoelectric generator the battery may be connected to a wiring loom via releasable connectors. The thermoelectric generator and/or the battery may be replaceable components, e.g. to facilitate extending the life of the device or garment.

The wearable device or garment may be a safety suit for use, e.g. while operating a power tool.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided a power tool system comprising a wearable power generation device or garment of the third aspect.

The power tool may comprise a battery. The garment may be operable to supply power to the tool battery.

In an embodiment, the power tool system may comprise a releasable electrical connector to allow connection and disconnection of the garment and the power tool.

In an embodiment, the power system may further comprise a controller. The controller may be operable to select the tool battery and/or the garment battery for storage of the electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric generator. The controller may include a tool battery level indicator. The controller may include a garment battery level indicator In an embodiment, the controller may be located on the device or garment, or separate from the device or garment. The controller may be removably mountable on the device or garment.

In an embodiment, the garment may further comprise vibration sensors. The wearable garment may include gloves. The vibration sensors may be located in or on the gloves. The controller may comprise a vibration indicator for indicating vibration data sensed by the vibration sensors, including vibration frequency and length of time of continuous vibrations The controller may be operable to provide a user with a warning notification on sensing of a predetermined vibration threshold. The predetermined vibration threshold may be determined according to a vibration frequency and a length of time of continuous vibrations.

In an embodiment, the garment may further comprise a temperature sensor and/or a humidity sensor. The controller may comprise a temperature indicator and/or a humidity indicator for indicating the temperature level and/or humidity level sensed by the respective temperature sensor and/or humidity sensor.

In an embodiment, the power tool system may comprise the safety system of the first aspect of the present invention, or the safety system of the fourth aspect of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1A shows a schematic view of the front of a wearable garment according to the present invention; Figure 1B shows a schematic view of the back of the wearable garment of Figure 1A; Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a cutting apparatus according to the present invention; Figure 3A shows a schematic view of a safety system according to the present invention, in use in a safe mode of operation; Figure 3B shows a schematic view of the safety system of Figure 3A, in use in a warning mode of operation; Figure 3C shows a schematic view of the safety system of Figure 3B, in use in a dangerous mode of operation; Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a replaceable signal emitter according to the present invention; and Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a thermoelectric generator according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

A safety system for a cutting apparatus includes a wearable garment 12 (see Figures 1A and 1B) comprising at least one signal emitter 14. The system further includes a cutting apparatus 10 (see Figure 2). The cutting apparatus 10 includes a moveable cutting arrangement 16, a cutting arrangement brake 18 for preventing movement of the cutting arrangement 16, a processor 20 for controlling the cutting arrangement brake 18, and a signal detector 22 in communication with the processor 20. The processor 20 is operable to activate the cutting arrangement brake 18 in response to the signal detector 22 detecting a predetermined threshold strength of signal emitted by the signal emitter 14.

Activation of the cutting arrangement brake 18 is intended to stop cutting movement of the cutting arrangement 16 prior to the cutting arrangement 16 coming into contact with the body of a user. The safety system will operate in this manner, regardless of the reason for the proximity of the cutting arrangement 16 to the user, i.e. kickback, user fatigue, etc. In reference to Figures 1A and 1B, a schematic view of a wearable garment 12 is shown. The wearable garment 12 is a safety suit for use while operating a power tool such as the cutting apparatus 10. The wearable garment 12 is an 'all-in-one' suit such as a boiler suit or overalls. In other embodiments the wearable garment may be trousers, or a garment to cover the upper body such as a pullover, a shirt, a smock, a jacket, etc., or any combination of these garments. In some embodiments multiple garments are releasably connected together via mechanical, electrical and data connectors. Preferably the suit covers areas of the wearer's body that are vulnerable to chainsaw injury such as the legs and forearms. Alternatively, the wearable garment may be a wearable device suitable to be mounted on the body such as an armband, leg band, hat, head band, gloves, belt, boots, etc. The wearable garment 12 comprises a plurality of signal emitters 14. The signal emitters 14 are distributed on the garment 12, both on the front (Figure 1A) and the back (Figure 1B). The distribution of the signal emitters 14 allows for a generally even signal emission from the whole of the garment 12.

The signal emitters 14 are provided on the wearable garment 12. Each signal emitter 14 is removable and replaceable to facilitate extending the life of the safety system.

A controller 24 is provided on the wearable garment 12. The controller 24 is operable to select the predetermined threshold signal strength. A user or another person, e.g. a tutor to the user, can select the predetermined signal strength using the controller 24. The controller 24 can control the strength of the signal emitted by the signal emitters 14. The predetermined signal strength at which the cutting arrangement brake 18 is activated can be selected depending on the skill level of the user. A safe proximity of the cutting arrangement 16 to the user may be less for an experienced user than for a novice user. The threshold signal strength can be set higher for an experienced user such that the cutting arrangement brake 18 is activated when the cutting arrangement 16 is in closer proximity to the user. The threshold signal strength can be set lower for a novice user such that the cutting arrangement brake 18 is activated when the cutting arrangement 16 is in further proximity from the user.

The controller 24 includes an indicator that the signal emitters 14 are operational. The controller 24 comprises a fault detection module to determine any faults with any of the signal emitters 14. The controller also comprises a fault indicator to provide a user with information about a fault detected by the fault detection module.

The controller 24 is removably mounted on the wearable garment 12 by a releasable mechanical, electrical and data connector (not shown).

The wearable garment 12 includes an electrical and data connector 28 to connect with the cutting apparatus. The connector 28 is operable to transfer electrical energy and data from the wearable garment 12 to the cutting apparatus 10, and vice versa, from the cutting apparatus 10 to the wearable garment 12. The connector 28 connects to the wearable garment 12 adjacent a user's wrist of the hand with which the user holds the cutting apparatus 10, and the connector 28 connects to the cutting apparatus 10 adjacent the location at which the user holds the cutting apparatus 10.

The wearable garment 12 includes a local wireless data network distributor 26.

The wearable garment 12 is operable to communicate with the cutting apparatus 10 via the local wireless data network. The controller 24 is operable to communicate with the cutting apparatus 10 and the wearable garment 12 via the local wireless data network. The local wireless data network allows the controller 24 to communicate with the processor when the controller 24 is detached from the wearable garment 12.

In reference to Figure 1B, the wearable garment 12 includes a plurality of thermoelectric generators 40 for generating power. Each thermoelectric generator 40 is operable to convert heat energy from body heat of a wearer of the garment 12 to electrical energy.

The wearable garment 12 includes a battery 42 The electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric generators 40 can be stored in the battery 42.

The thermoelectric generators 40 are located on the garment 12 such that in use the thermoelectric generators 40 are adjacent a user's back. In other embodiments, the thermoelectric generators may be located adjacent a user's chest, between the arms and the body, or in any other suitable location such that the heat energy available for conversion to electrical energy is maximised.

The thermoelectric generators 40 and the battery 42 are removable from the wearable garment 12. The thermoelectric generators 40 and the battery 42 can be connected to a wiring loom 44 via releasable connectors (not shown). The thermoelectric generators 40 and the battery 42 are replaceable components so that the life of the garment 12 can be extended.

The thermoelectric generators 40 are operable to supply power to a battery 62 of the cutting apparatus 10.

The controller 24 is operable to select either the cutting apparatus battery 62 and/or the garment battery 42 for storage of the electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric generators 40. The controller 24 includes a battery level indicator in respect of the cutting apparatus battery 62 and a battery level indicator in respect of the garment battery 42.

The garment 12 includes vibration sensors 46. The wearable garment 12 includes gloves 48. The vibration sensors 46 are located on the gloves 48. The controller 24 includes a vibration indicator for indicating vibration data sensed by the vibration sensors 46, including vibration frequency and length of time of continuous vibrations. The controller 24 is operable to provide a user with a warning notification on sensing of a predetermined vibration threshold. The predetermined vibration threshold is determined according to a vibration frequency and a length of time of continuous vibrations. The vibration monitoring is intended to reduce a user's exposure to vibrations which can cause Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).

The garment 12 includes a temperature and humidity sensors 50. The controller 24 includes a temperature indicator and a humidity indicator for indicating the temperature level and humidity level sensed by the respective temperature and humidity sensors 50.

In reference to Figure 2, a schematic view of the cutting apparatus 10 is shown. The cutting apparatus 10 is a chainsaw. The moveable cutting arrangement 16 is a cutting chain. The cutting arrangement brake 18 is a chain brake for preventing movement of the cutting chain 16. The processor 20 controls the chain brake 18. The signal detector 22 is in communication with the processor 20. The processor 20 activates the chain brake 18 in response to the signal detector 22 detecting a predetermined threshold strength of signal emitted by the signal emitters 14 located on the wearable garment 12.

The safety system reduces the risk of a moving chain 16 of the chainsaw 10 coming into contact with a user by applying the chain brake 18 when the chain 18 is in such proximity to the user that the detected signal is over the predetermined threshold strength. This may therefore reduce the risk of injury to the user.

The signal detector 22 is located adjacent or proximal the chain 16.

The chainsaw 10 includes a battery 62. The battery 62 can store electricity generated by the thermoelectric generators 40. The battery 62 powers the chainsaw 10. In other embodiments, the chainsaw is powered by a 2 stroke petrol engine.

In reference to Figures 3A, 3B and 3C, the processor 20 provides a first signal corresponding to a first predetermined threshold signal strength 30 detected by a signal detector 22 and a second signal corresponding to a second predetermined threshold signal strength 32 detected by the signal detector.

The chainsaw 10 includes a plurality of signal detectors 22. The signal detectors 22 are located proximal the cutting chain 16.

The signal detectors 22 and the processor 20 are provided on the chainsaw 10.

The chainsaw 10 comprises a light emitter 34 and a sound emitter 36. In reference to Figure 3B, the first signal provided by the processor 20, in response to detection of the first predetermined threshold signal strength 30, is a first control signal. The first control signal activates the light emitter 34 and the sound emitter 36. When activated, the light emitter 34 and the sound emitter 36 act as a warning, alerting a user to an imminently dangerous situation of the cutting chain 16 in proximity to their body. In an alternative embodiment the light emitter and/or the sound emitter may be located on the wearable garment of the safety system.

In reference to Figure 3B, the second signal provided by the processor 20, in response to detection of the second predetermined threshold signal strength 32, is a second control signal. The second control signal activates the chain brake 18 to stop or slow movement of the cutting chain 16.

The second predetermined threshold signal strength 32 is higher than the first predetermined threshold signal strength 30. This signal strength corresponds to the proximity of the signal detector 22 to the signal emitter 14. Therefore, the signal detector 22 will detect the second predetermined threshold signal strength 32 when the signal detector 22 is closer to the signal emitter 14 than when the signal detector 22 detects the first predetermined threshold signal strength 30. Therefore the light and sound warning will be activated when the cutting chain 16 is at a first distance from the user, and the chain brake 18 will be activated to slow or stop movement of the cutting chain 16 when the cutting chain 16 is at a second distance from the user, the second distance being shorter than the first distance.

The controller 24 is operable to select the first and second predetermined threshold signal strengths 30, 32. A user or other person, e.g. a tutor to the user, can select the first and second predetermined threshold signal strengths 30, 32 using the controller 24. The controller 24 is operable to control the strength of the signal emitted by the signal emitters 14.

The controller 20 is located on the wearable garment 12. The wearable garment 12 includes an electrical and data connector 28 to connect the controller 24 with the processor 20. The connector 28 is operable to transfer electrical energy and data from the wearable garment 12 to the cutting apparatus 10, and vice versa, from the cutting apparatus 10 to the wearable garment 12. The connector 28 connects to the wearable garment 12 adjacent a user's wrist of the hand with which the user holds the chainsaw 10, and the connector 28 connects to the chainsaw 10 adjacent the location at which the user holds the chainsaw 10 This allows for an unobtrusive connection whilst the chainsaw is in use.

In reference to Figure 4, there is shown a removable signal emitter 14. The signal emitters 14 are replaceable components, e.g. to facilitate extending the life of the safety system. The signal emitter 14 comprises locating tabs 64. The locating tabs 64 fit into complementary locating grooves in a mount (not shown) on the wearable garment 12.

In reference to Figure 5, there is shown a thermoelectric generator 40. The thermoelectric generator 40 is located in a pocket 60 on the wearable garment 12.

The thermoelectric generator 40 is removable. The thermoelectric generator 40 is connected to the wiring loom 44 when it is located in the pocket 60. The pocket 60 comprises at least one runner 66, for locating the thermoelectric generator 40 in the pocket 60 in connection with the wiring loom 44. The thermoelectric generator 40 can be replaced to extend the life of the device or garment.

It will be appreciated that the one or more embodiments of the present invention here before described are given by way of example only, and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A safety system for a cutting apparatus, the system comprising: at least one wearable device or garment comprising at least one signal emitter; and a cutting apparatus.
2. A safety system according to claim 1, wherein the cutting apparatus comprises: a moveable cutting arrangement; a cutting arrangement brake for preventing, stopping and/or slowing down movement of the cutting arrangement; a processor for controlling the cutting arrangement brake; and o 15 a signal detector in communication with the processor. C\I
3. CO A safety system according to any preceding claim, wherein the processor is operable to activate the cutting arrangement brake in response to the signal o detector detecting a predetermined or pre-set threshold strength of signal r 20 emitted by the signal emitter.
4. A safety system according to claim 4, wherein the safety system is operable to reduce the risk of a moving cutting arrangement of a cutting apparatus coming into contact with a user by applying the cutting arrangement brake when the cutting arrangement is in such proximity to the user that the detected signal is over the predetermined or pre-set threshold strength.
5. A safety system according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the safety system comprises a controller, the safety system being operable to: select the predetermined signal strength, and/or control the strength of the signal emitted by the at least one signal emitter. 6. 7. 8.CD C\ICO 10. 11. 12.A safety system according to any preceding claim, wherein the distribution of the at least one signal emitter allows for activation of the cutting arrangement brake when the cutting arrangement is in dangerous proximity to an area of the user or the wearable garment.A safety system according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one signal emitter comprises a plurality of signal emitters provided or distributed on or across the wearable garment.A safety system for a cutting apparatus, the safety system comprising: at least one signal emitter; a signal detector; and a processor, wherein the processor provides a first signal corresponding to a first predetermined threshold signal strength detected by the signal detector and a second signal corresponding to a second predetermined threshold signal strength detected by the signal detector.A safety system according to claim 8, wherein the at least one signal emitter is provided on a respective wearable device or garment.A safety system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the signal detector and/or the processor is provided on a cutting apparatus.
A safety system according to any of claims 8 to 10, further comprising a light emitter and/or a sound emitter, wherein the first signal is a first control signal, the first control signal being operable to activate the light emitter and/or the sound emitter.
A safety system according to any of claims 8 to 11, further comprising at least one wearable device or garment, wherein the signal detector is located on the cutting apparatus, and wherein the or each signal emitter is located on the at least one wearable device or garment. 13. 14. 15.
CD C\I
CO o 16. 17. 18.
A safety system according to any of claims 8 to 12, wherein the second signal is a second control signal, the second signal being operable to activate a cutting arrangement brake of a cutting arrangement.
A safety system according to claim 13, wherein the safety system further comprises: a controller, the controller being operable to select a first predetermined threshold signal strength and a second predetermined threshold signal strength, wherein the second predetermined threshold signal strength is higher than the first predetermined threshold signal strength.
A cutting apparatus comprising: a moveable cutting arrangement, a cutting arrangement brake for preventing movement of the cutting arrangement; a processor for controlling the cutting arrangement brake; and a signal detector in communication with the processor, wherein the processor is operable to activate the cutting arrangement brake in response to the signal detector detecting a predetermined threshold strength of signal emitted by a signal emitter.
A cutting apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the cutting apparatus is adapted for use in a safety system according to any of claims 1 to 8 or any of claims 9 to 14.
A wearable power generation device or garment comprising: at least one thermoelectric generator, the or each thermoelectric generator being operable to convert heat energy from body heat of a wearer of the device or garment in use to electrical energy.
The wearable power generation device according to claim 17, the wearable power generation device further comprising a battery, the battery being 19. 20. 21.
CD
C\I 22.
CO o 23. 24. 25.adapted to store electrical energy generated by the at least one thermoelectric generator.
A wearable power generation device or garment according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the wearable power generation device or garment is adapted for use in a safety system according to any of claims 1 to 8 or any of claims 9 to 14.
A power tool system comprising: a wearable power generation device or garment according to any of claims 17 to 19.
A power tool system according to claim 20, comprising a power tool, wherein the power tool comprises a power tool battery, and wherein the wearable power generation device or garment is operable to supply power to the power tool battery.
A power tool system according to claim 20 or claim 21, further comprising: a controller, wherein the controller is operable to select the tool battery and/or the garment battery for storage of the electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric generator.
A power tool system according to any of claims 20 to 22, wherein the wearable power generation device or garment comprises at least one vibration sensor.
A power tool system according to claim 23, wherein: the wearable power generation device or garment further comprises gloves; and the gloves comprise a vibration sensor.
A power tool system according to claim 23 or claim 24, wherein the controller comprises a vibration indicator for indicating vibration data sensed by the vibration sensors, including vibration frequency and length of time of continuous vibrations.
26. A power tool system according to claim 25, wherein the controller is operable to provide a user with a warning notification on sensing of a predetermined vibration threshold.
27. A power tool system according to any of claims 20 to 25, comprising a safety system according to any of claims 1 to 8 or any of claims 9 to 14.