Importance

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Abstract

A guard apparatus for covering the cutting edge of a circular blade of a radial power saw includes a pivoting guard member extending over a portion of the cutting edge of the blade, mounted to rotate essentially coaxially with the blade, and a fluid driven cylinder and piston mechanism connected to the pivoting guard member for automatically rotating the pivoting guard member to an open position to expose the cutting edge of the blade to a work piece to make a cut and to a closed position upon completion of the cut. The guard apparatus preferably includes an electric circuit and valves for controlling the flow of the fluid into the cylinder and piston mechanism to cause the cylinder and piston mechanism to rotate the pivoting guard member to a closed position upon completion of a cut, a switch mechanism for operating the electric circuit, and a cam portion protruding from the pivoting guard member for bearing against and activating the switch mechanism. The guard apparatus further includes a positionally fixed guard member covering the upper half of the blade, the pivoting guard member and the switch mechanism are preferably mounted within the fixed guard member. The pivoting guard member preferably includes an inner plate having a plate mounting port, a radial flange attached to the inner plate, and an outer plate attached to the radial flange.

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First Claim