Patent Application
20120043404
The present invention relates to waste processing systems, and more specifically to a safety device, a safety system, and method thereof for a waste processing system.
A variety of machines have been developed to recycle, reduce, or otherwise process wood and brush products. Included therein are machines that chip, cut, grind, or otherwise reduce waste (wood) products including, generally, chippers (disk and drum types), hammer mills, hogs, shredders, grinders, and forestry mowers.
These waste processing systems typically include an infeed system and a waste reducing system, wherein the infeed system is used for directing the waste material to the waste reducing system, the waste reducing system being used for reducing the waste material.
For example: wood chippers are used to reduce branches, trees, and other bulk wood products into small wood chips. A typical wood chipper often includes an infeed chute; a feed system which may be adapted for controlling the feed rate of wood products; a wood chipping mechanism; a drive system for the feed system and chipping mechanism; and a discharge chute. The infeed chute is typically a funnel-type conduit provided with a wide opening which tapers toward the feed system to converge the bulk wood/waste products toward the chipping mechanism and, through the action of the feed system, the bulk wood products are brought into contact with the chipping mechanism which grinds, flails, cuts, or otherwise reduced the wood and waste products into smaller pieces. The smaller pieces are then typically propelled into the discharge chute where they exit the wood chipper.
However, although these types of wood chippers are useful, if operated incorrectly they can become extremely dangerous. For example, the feed system, which is located at the narrowest point of the infeed chute, when operated incorrectly has been known to catch a user's clothing or worse, a limb of an operator. Another area that may become hazardous if operated incorrectly is the chipping mechanism which can rotate at high speeds in order to produce the high torque necessary to chip the wood and/or waste products. Further exacerbating the situation is that if something does become entangled in the feed system, the user may not be able to reach or activate a shutoff. Alternatively, a shutoff or other safety switch which is designed to activate when this emergency situation arises, may not activate due to various circumstances.
Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide a safety device, system, and method for a waste processing system that reduces or prevents the risks associated with these prior art waste processing machines. It is further desirable to provide a safety device for a waste processing system that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, assemble, and is easily operable. Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide a safety device, system, and method for a waste processing system that overcome the above-identified disadvantages.
Accordingly, a need exists for novel systems and methods which have, among other advantages, the ability to provide for increased safety while being simple to operate. Therefore, systems and methods that solve the aforementioned disadvantages and having the aforementioned advantages are desired.
The aforementioned drawbacks and disadvantages of these former waste processing devices, systems, and methods have been identified and solutions are set forth herein.
A waste processing system according to the invention incorporates a control or safety device to stop or otherwise cut-off power to a feed system, a cutting mechanism, or a power system in order to reduce or prevent injury to an operator or the equipment. Alternatively, a device to reverse the feed system, cutting mechanism, or both can be accomplished. The improvement may be utilized in conjunction with any waste reducing machinery, either new or existing, and in one exemplary embodiment, the invention comprises a waste processing system including rotary feed wheels which are powered hydraulically, and in an emergency situation, the system automatically actuates to interrupt or cut-off the supply of hydraulic fluid to the feed wheels of the waste processing system. In another aspect of the invention, the device reverses the flow of hydraulic fluid thereby reversing the direction of rotation of the feed system. The novel devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein can be incorporated into any waste reducing machinery regardless of the drive system, and can be used to cut-off, interrupt, or reverse the power system, the feed system, the cutting blades, or any other primary systems of these waste processing machines. As such, the equipment and operators of these systems are provided with additional protection and safety.
In one embodiment, the waste processing system comprises a cutting system and a feed system, wherein the improvement relates to a safety system which comprises an actuator having at least two operable positions, the actuator being in communication with the waste processing system and adapted to selectively control the operation thereof. Further, the actuator is positionable about the waste processing system.
Another aspect of the present invention includes a waste processing system comprising a cutting system and a feed system, wherein the improvement relates to a safety system which comprises an actuator. The actuator is disposed on the waste processing system, below a horizontal reference line defined by a top of an infeed chute. The actuator has at least two operable positions and is operably connected with the waste processing system to allow operation of the waste processing system upon positioning the actuator in a first position.
In another aspect of the present invention, a waste processing system comprises a cutting system and a feed system, wherein the improvement relates to a safety system which includes an actuator disposed on the waste processing system below a horizontal reference line defined by a top of an infeed chute. The actuator has at least two operable positions and is operably connected with the waste processing system and adapted to selectively control operation thereof.
And still in another aspect of the present invention, a wood chipper comprises a foot activated actuator having at least two operable positions, wherein the foot activated actuator is operably connected with at least one of the cutting system and the feed system to restrict operation of the at least one of the cutting system and the feed system when the foot activated actuator is in one of the two operable positions.
In yet another embodiment, a wood chipper comprises an infeed chute and a discharge chute; a feed system disposed between the infeed chute and the discharge chute; a cutting system disposed between the feed system and the discharge chute; and a remotely positionable actuator which is configured to shut off at least one of the feed system, the cutting system, and a power system.
In still another embodiment, a method of operating a waste processing system is disclosed which includes: providing a waste processing system comprising a cutting system, a feed system, and a power system; providing a safety system comprising an actuator disposed on the waste processing system below a horizontal reference line defined by a top of an infeed chute and adapted to permit operation of the cutting system, the feed system, and the power system when the actuator is in a first predetermined state, and adapted to interrupt operation of at least one of the cutting system, the feed system, and the power system when the actuator is in a second predetermined state; positioning the actuator in a first predetermined state; operating the cutting system, the feed system, and the power system in response to the actuator being in a first predetermined state; and interrupting operation of at least one of the cutting system, the feed system, and the power system in response to the actuator being in a second predetermined state.
In yet another embodiment, a method of operating a waste processing system includes: providing a waste processing system comprising a cutting system, a feed system, and a power system; providing a safety system comprising a foot activated actuator adapted to permit operation of the cutting system, the feed system, and the power system when the foot activated actuator is in a first predetermined state, and adapted to interrupt operation of at least one of the cutting system, the feed system, and the power system when the foot activated actuator is in a second predetermined state; determining if the foot activated actuator is in a first predetermined state or a second predetermined state; operating the cutting system, the feed system, and the power system in response to the actuator being in a first predetermined state and requiring that the actuator be continuously maintained in the first predetermined state for operation thereof; and interrupting operation of at least one of the cutting system, the feed system, and the power system in response to the actuator being in a second predetermined state.
In still another embodiment, a waste processing system is disclosed and includes a cutting system and a feed system, wherein the improvement relates to a lower feed control bar which comprises a lower feed control bar disposed below a horizontal plane defined by a top of an infeed chute. The lower feed control bar is operably attached to an actuator having at least two operable positions, and the actuator is in communication with the waste processing system and adapted to selectively control the operation thereof. In yet another embodiment, a control for a waste processing system comprising a cutting system and a feed system is disclosed wherein the control comprises an actuator adapted to be mountably disposed below a horizontal plane defined by a top of an infeed chute, and the actuator has at least two operable positions. The actuator is adapted to communicate with at least one of a cutting system and a feed system of a waste processing system for selective control thereof.
And, in yet another embodiment, a control for use in combination with an existing waste processing system comprising a cutting system and a feed system is disclosed and includes an actuator adapted to be mountably disposed below a horizontal plane defined by a top of an infeed chute of an existing waste processing system, wherein the actuator has at least two operable positions. Further, the actuator is adapted to communicate with at least one of a cutting system and a feed system of a waste processing system for selective control thereof when installed thereon. Further yet, the actuator is adapted to be normally biased to a second position, whereas a first position must be continuously maintained by an operator for operation of the existing waste processing system.
Other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and drawings. As such, the above brief descriptions set forth, rather broadly, the more important features of the present novel invention so that the detailed descriptions that follow may be better understood and so that the contributions to the art may be better appreciated. There are of course additional features that will be described hereinafter which will form the subject matter of the claims.
In this respect, before explaining the preferred embodiment of the disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and the arrangement set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. To wit, the waste processing system, device, and method of the present disclosure are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for description and not limitation. Where specific dimensional and material specifications have been included or omitted from the specification, or the claims, or both, it is to be understood that the same are not to be incorporated into the claims, unless so claimed.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be used as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important therefore that the claims are regarded as including such equivalent constructions, as far as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Further, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practioners in the art who are not familiar with the patent or legal terms of phraseology, to learn quickly, from a cursory inspection, the nature of the technical disclosure of the application. Accordingly, the Abstract is intended to define neither the invention nor the application, which is only measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.
These and other objects, along with the various features and structures that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the waste processing system of the present disclosure, its advantages, and the specific traits attained by its use, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and other descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of the invention.
As such, while embodiments of the waste processing system are herein illustrated and described, it is to be appreciated that various changes, rearrangements, and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.
As a compliment to the description and for better understanding of the specification presented herein, 11 pages of drawings are disclosed with an informative, but not limiting, intention.
The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of the preferred embodiment, wherein similar referenced characters designate corresponding features throughout the several figures of the drawings.
For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “rear”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof, shall relate to the orientation illustrated in
Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, these same referenced numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. Like features between the various embodiments utilize similar numerical designations. Where appropriate, the various similar features have been further differentiated by an alphanumeric designation, wherein the corresponding alphabetic designator has been changed. Further, the dimensions illustrated in the drawings (if provided) are included for purposes of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Additionally, particular details in the drawings which are illustrated in hidden or dashed lines are to be considered as forming no part of the present invention.
As used herein, the term wood and wood products are meant to be used and defined in their broad, general, and ordinary sense, and the terminology is meant to include trees, brush, trunks, stems, branches, leaves, or the like, or anything else that could otherwise be recycled, reduced, or otherwise processed, and further includes non-naturally occurring or manufactured wood products such as lumbar, pallets, or other manufactured products that could otherwise be recycled, reduced, or otherwise processed, as is generally known within the art.
As used herein, the term waste processing system is meant to be used and defined in its general and ordinary sense. To wit, systems that recycle, reduce, or otherwise process wood products. Included therein are machines that chip, cut, grind, or otherwise reduce wood waste products and include, generally, chippers and/or shredders. Of course, this is not meant to be limiting in any manner and these systems may take on numerous configurations, and may be used for numerous purposes as is generally known within the art.
Generally, while waste processing machines and wood chippers are commonly known and regularly utilized to reduce branches, trees, and other bulk wood products into smaller wood chips, if incorrectly operated they can be extremely dangerous.
Accordingly, a need exists for safety devices, systems, and method that are, among other things, relatively inexpensive, provide for increased safety, and are easily operable. Therefore, a safety system that solves the aforementioned disadvantages and having the aforementioned advantages is desired and, disclosed herein.
While not meant to be limiting in any manner, it is envisioned that this system may offer the following advantages: The safety system may be designed to interact with, cooperate with, or control one or more other safety systems of the waste processing machine, whether existing or developed in future. For example, in one embodiment, the invention will be configured in such a manner so as to allow for the independent operation of the waste processing system such that when the safety switch or actuator of the present invention is in a first state, the functions and operation of the waste processing system will be normal and, for example only, all other (existing) safety systems disposed on the waste processing system will operate as they would normally operate. However, when the switch or actuator is in a second state, the waste processing system will not operate as normal and, again for example only, the feed system may be restricted in its operation; In one embodiment the inventive system utilizes mechanical devices in its operation and therefore, may be more reliable than electrical and/or electronic devices. For example, the safety device may operate a mechanical valve disposed within the hydraulics of a feed system in order to operate, make inoperable, and/or reverse the feed system. Of course, electrical and electronic devices may also be utilized; In another embodiment, the safety device is retrofitable to existing waste processing systems; In another embodiment, the safety device is configured so as to require the device to be present and/or connected for operation of the waste processing system and therefore, the processing system does not allow operation of the system without the safety device; In another embodiment, the safety device is configured so as to require the device to be in a predetermined state (i.e., a first state) for normal operation of the waste processing system. Otherwise, the waste processing system will not operate as normal; In another embodiment, the safety device is designed as a foot actuated device; In another embodiment, the safety device is designed to be easily connected and removed from the processing system and further, is positionable thereto. For example, the device may be pressure activated mat that may be connected and removed for convenience and safety; In another embodiment, the safety device is designed to be used as a feed control bar. Herein the safety device may be utilized as a feed control bar, either in conjunction with an existing hand feed control bars, or exclusively and as a replacement thereto. For example, in a foot actuated embodiment, the safety device may be utilized to start and stop the feed wheels of the system, thereby controlling the feed of the waste products from a foot actuated pedal. Again, and for example only, in one embodiment the operator may position the material to be chipped into the chute and then move to the side of the chute, away from the open chute, and operate the chipper without being exposed to the open infeed chute. This not only reduced the likelihood that the operator may be entangled therein, thereby increasing safety, it is also easier to operate the system in this configuration. Of course, the safety device could be used to operate and control other systems either exclusively, or in conjunction with the feed wheels; In yet another embodiment, more than one of these safety devices can be utilized. For example, a front and a rear foot actuated bar can be utilized and, these bars may operate in unison or independently. Still further, they may both be configured to control the feed system, or to control differing systems. In one preferred embodiment and when foot actuated devices are utilized, both foot actuated devices control the feed system (e.g., as a feed bar) and operate as a safety device; In another embodiment, the safety device is designed to be easily connected or linked to the system. For example, plugged into the waste processing system through a connector.
While existing safety systems are designed to increase the operational safety of these mobile or trailerable waste processing machines, these existing safety features are designed to activate only in response to a particular occurrence or situation and therefore, may not activate under numerous, other circumstances. For example, a number of existing safety systems rely on the operator grabbing, pulling, or otherwise activating the safety feature in order to work. However, the particular situation for which the safety device is designed to operate within may either not arise; be deactivated or otherwise rendered inoperable by branches, brush, or the like; or be deactivated by the operator. Contrarily, the safety device of the present invention overcomes these existing problems. For example, with a foot controlled device as described further herein, if the operator is in trouble (pulled into or towards the feed chute or system) upon being lifted, moved, or otherwise re-positioned, the safety device would activate and may shut off the feed system in order to prevent injury. As such, the device can be configured to rely on the position of the operator being within a safe zone, as opposed to relying on the operator themselves for actuation.
Referring now to
For example, it is generally known to provide a wood chipper with a feed control bar 30 which requires the operator to move the bar in order to operate the feed system. Feed control bar 30 may comprise, for example, a multi-position switch wherein the bar must be moved by the operator and held or biased rearwardly (e.g., towards opening 40 of infeed chute 20) in order for the feed system 26 to be operable. As the bar will typically be normally biased towards a position which does not allow operation of the feed system, if for any reason the operator lets go of the bar, the bar will move to its normally biased position and the feed system will cease to operate. As such, in an emergency situation, once an operator releases feed control bar 30, the bar returns to its normally biased position and the feed system is deactivated.
While these prior art systems have reduced the risks associated with the operation of these waste processing systems, they are not fool proof. For example, if proper procedures and operations are not followed, it is possible for these systems to become deactivated or overridden. Accordingly, a need exists for improved safety systems, feed controls, and methods thereof which provide additional protection and improvements.
The disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art are overcome through the waste processing system of the present invention, wherein one preferred embodiment is disclosed. Referring now to
It should be understood that waste processing system 10 may comprise any suitable waste reducing machinery such as the trailerable wood chipper as seen in
Referring now to
In one embodiment, actuator 52 is configured to be actuated by an operator's foot. In the embodiment illustrated by
For example only, when pedal 54 is depressed, corresponding to the actuator being in a first predetermined state, normal operation of waste processing system 10 ensues. However, when pedal 54 is not depressed, moved, or otherwise activated, corresponding to the actuator being in a second predetermined state, operation of feed control bar 30 is selectively restricted. As such, normal operation of feed control bar 30 is permitted when the actuator is in the first state (e.g., pedal 54 is depressed), and restriction in the operation of feed control bar 30 occurs when the actuator is in the second predetermined state (e.g., pedal 54 is released). In further example, when in the second predetermined state, feed control bar 30 could be interrupted and restricted from activating feed system 26 or further, reversing the feed system. Alternatively, when actuator 52 is in the second predetermined state, the feed system 26 may be directly shut-off by actuator 52, or directly made to operate in a reverse mode.
Other alternate embodiments, configurations, and operable connections may comprise a safety and control system 50 which is adapted: to permit operation of both the cutting system 18 and the feed system 26 when the actuator is in the first predetermined state; to permit operation of at least one of the cutting system 18 and the feed system 26 when the actuator is in the first predetermined state; to interrupt operation of at least one of the feed system 26 and the cutting system 18 when the actuator is in the second predetermined state; to interrupt operation of the cutting system 18 and to permit motive operation of the feed system 26 in a reverse direction when the actuator is in the second predetermined state; to restrict operation of at least one of the cutting system 18 and the feed system 26 when the actuator is in the first or second predetermined state, as required. For example by controlling access to other controllers, safety devices and the like; to selectively control operation of at least one of the cutting system 18 and the feed system 26 when the actuator is in the first or second predetermined state; or to selectively brake at least one of the cutting system 18 and the feed system 26 when the actuator is in the second predetermined state.
Safety and control system 50 may be operably connected or in communication with one or more primary systems, subsystems, or components of waste processing system 10 and more particularly, with the feed system 26, the cutting system 18, and the power system 24 in any known manner and for example only, electrically, physically, or hydraulically. For example, a wired or electric/electronic connection 56. Alternatively, in a hydraulic configuration, actuator 52 may be adapted to operate a diverter valve which is configured to redirect a flow of hydraulic fluid from one or more of the primary systems of the waste processing system 10, more particularly, cutting system 18 or feed system 26, toward a hydraulic reservoir when the actuator is in the second predetermined state.
Referring now to
Referring now to
As shown generally in
Safety and control system 50 may be operably connected to and communicate with waste processing system 10 mechanically, electrically, and hydraulically. For example, safety and control system 50 may be operably connected to power source 24 so as to deactivate the power source when desired, and this connection could be a physical connection such as a cable, may be an electrical connection such as an electronic switch or alternatively, the connection may comprise a hydraulic connection. Generally, actuator 52 may operate, switch, actuate, or otherwise communicate a desired state in any known manner and may comprise, for example, any suitable mechanism such as a button, switch, solenoid, or the like.
By utilizing a foot actuated safety device, either alone or in conjunction with feed control bar 30, increased safety in operation of these waste processing machines is accomplished. For example, the feed system, located at the narrowest point of the infeed chute, is a dangerous area and when operated improperly can cause injury to an operator (or the machine itself). Further exacerbating the situation is that if an operator or other object were to become entangled in the feed system, the operator may not be able to reach or activate a shutoff. As such, the shutoff or other safety switch which is designed to activate when this emergency situation arises, may not activate due to various circumstances. However, with a foot actuated device, unless the proper force is applied to the pedal, the system will automatically respond (stop). For example, if an operator were to be drawn into the machine, upon the operators weight being lifted from the pedal (e.g., as they were drawn into the machine) the system would automatically and quickly be shut down, regardless of the operators response, or lack thereof.
As illustrated by
As illustrated by
Referring to
It is worth noting that the safety and control system 50 and various actuators may be operatively connected to the waste processing system in numerous manners (e.g., mechanical, electrical, hydraulic) and may be disposed anywhere on, along, or underneath the waste processing system. Furthermore, in various preferred embodiments and especially those that may be operable via an operators foot, the safety and control system 50 and more particularly the actuators, bars, pedals, and the like thereof will generally be disposed below a top 27 of the infeed chute.
In another embodiment (
In yet another embodiment (
As illustrated by
An exemplary circuit 60 is shown in
More specifically, A storage tank 70 for hydraulic fluid is connected to pump 80 by a supply line 72. Exiting through pump 80 is supply line 82 which is in fluid connection with priority flow divider 84, which supplies lines 86 and 88. One or more pressure relief mechanisms 76 can be disposed along the lines 82 and 88 as needed. In this embodiment, priority flow divider 84 supplies line 88 with a portion of the main flow of hydraulic fluid to fluidly communicate with control switch 90. The remainder of the main flow from pump 80 is utilized in line 86 for powering the one or more feed wheels motors 120. For example only, if pump 80 is designed to deliver an output of 20 gallons per minute (GPM) at a pressure of 250 pounds per square inch (PSI), flow divider 84 may be designed so as to deliver 19.5 GPM to line 86 and 0.5 GPM to line 88.
As illustrated in
Control switch 90 may be designed to be a momentary switch, so that control of the feed wheels depends upon, at least in part, switch 90; or a locked switch thereby allowing full control of the feed motors by the feed control valve 110, when locked. In one preferred embodiment, switch 90 is a normally un-activated (e.g., off) momentary switch wherein normal operation of the system 10 is allowed only when the actuator 52 is continuously actuated. Control of the system (e.g., feed wheel motors) is then accomplished through, in this particular embodiment, feed control valve 110 (via hand or upper feed control bar 30) and the system 50 will thereby operate as a safety device. However, the system 50 may also be configured to operate as a feed control device. Either in conjunction with the feed control 30 (if utilized) or separate thereto, the waste processing system 10 can be configured to utilize control switch 90 as a (lower) feed control. Exclusive control may be accomplished for example if the feed control valve 110 is either not utilized on the waste processing system 10 or is positionable to on “on” state and retainable therein. Otherwise, in conjunction with the feed control valve 110 being retained in a desired “on” state (e.g., forward or reverse via feed control bar 30), control switch 90 (for example via foot or lower feed control bar/actuator 52) can now operate as the primary feed control device. In the preferred embodiment, line 104 is connected to a conventional feed system 26 which comprises a control valve 110, a flow control/divider 130, and one or more feed wheel motors 120. The control valve 110 receives the flow from line 104 and controls the flow of fluid therethrough at a rate selected by the user. The control valve 110 includes a supply line 112 and a return line 114 which fluidly connects and extends between the control valve 110, the feed wheel motors 120, and the flow divider 130. In this particular embodiment, the flow divider 130 is disposed after the feed wheel motors and combines the supplied fluid to return line 114. When actuated, control valve 110 then fluidly connects line 114 to either return line 116 for forward operation, or supply line 104 for reverse operation thereof. Return conduit 116 extends to the tank 70′, thus completing the circuit. As noted above, the safety and control system 50 in one preferred embodiment is provided between the pump 80 and the feed system 26. However, the system may also be positioned between any power source and any other primary or sub-system. For example, between a power source and the cutting system 18, or between one or more power sources and one or more cutting systems 18 and feed systems 26. When the safety and control system 50 is adapted to control the rotation of the cutting system 18, the hydraulic schematic of this system may be substantially identical to that seen in
To wit, an invention device, system and method has been disclosed wherein the system may be configured to increase the safety associated with the operation of, as well as the control of the waste processing system. In one particular embodiment, a novel device and system are disclosed which is conveniently located below the infeed chute and allows for the operation and/or control of the waste processing system via an operators foot. Further, in an emergency situation requiring the waste processing system to be quickly shut-off, the operator, either voluntarily or involuntarily, need only remove their foot from the device to activate the safety and/or control features.
While a linear sequence of events has been described, it should be appreciated that various modifications can be made therein and, as such, the system does not necessarily require a linear sequence of events. It is also to be understood that various modifications may be made to the system, it sequences, methods, orientations, and the like without departing from the inventive concept and that the description contained herein is merely a preferred embodiment and hence, not meant to be limiting unless stated otherwise.
Advantageously, the waste processing system of the present invention includes, among other advantages, the ability to increase safety, while priding a system and method that are simple, useful, and cost effective.
The solutions offered by the invention disclosed herein have thus been attained in an economical, practical, and facile manner. To wit, a novel waste processing system which is cost effective, easily configurable, and provides for increased operator safety and control has been invented. While preferred embodiments and example configurations of the inventions have been herein illustrated, shown, and described, it is to be appreciated that various changes, rearrangements, and modifications may be made therein, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. It is intended that the specific embodiments and configurations disclosed herein are illustrative of the preferred and best modes for practicing the invention, and should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims, and it is to appreciated that various changes, rearrangements, and modifications may be made therein, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.
This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/174,759 entitled “Safety Device, System, and Method Thereof for a Waste Processing System” which was filed on May 1, 2009 and which is herein incorporated by reference.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US09/49754 | 7/7/2009 | WO | 00 | 10/29/2011 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61174759 | May 2009 | US |
