Safety and control device, system, and method thereof for a waste processing system

Abstract

A safety and control system for a wood chipper includes a positional switch having at least a first and second position and a hydraulic valve adapted to provide hydraulic fluid to the feed wheel system thereby powering the feed wheel system when is a first position, and diverting hydraulic fluid to a reservoir, thereby removing power from the feed wheel system, when is a second position, whereby a the valve and the switch are operatively connected such that when the switch is the first position, the valve is in a first position and is adapted to send hydraulic fluid to the feed wheel system, and when the switch is in the second position, the valve is in a second position and is adapted to send hydraulic fluid to the reservoir.

Claims

1. A control system comprising: a wood chipper having a powered cutting system, a hydraulically powered feed system, and an infeed tray comprising a feedforward side for receiving wood material and a rearward side opposite the feedforward side adapted to allow the wood material to enter the hydraulically powered feed system; an actuator comprising an elongated bar mounted to the infeed tray of the wood chipper and extending between opposite sides near the feedforward side of the infeed tray with the actuator having at least a first position and a second position; a hydraulic valve fluidly positioned along an underside of the infeed tray, the hydraulic valve connected to the feed system and comprising a mechanical input with the valve adapted to permit operation of the feed system when the actuator is in the first position, and interrupt operation of the feed system when the actuator is in the second position; a lever coupled to the mechanical input of the valve with the lever adapted to be actuated when the actuator is in the second position to manually reset the control system and permit operation of the feed system; and a linkage system coupling the actuator and the hydraulic valve, and coupling the lever and the hydraulic valve with the linkage system comprising a first link positioned on and extending along the underside of the infeed tray from the actuator towards the rearward side of the infeed tray, and a second link positioned on the underside of the infeed tray.

2. The control system according to claim 1 wherein: the linkage comprises an elongated rod having a first end coupled to the actuator, and a second end mechanically coupled to the mechanical input of the valve.

3. The control system according to claim 1 wherein: the actuator comprises a biasing device for biasing the actuator to the first position.

4. The control system according to claim 1 wherein the linkage further comprises: a first end coupled to the actuator; a second end mechanically coupled to the mechanical input of the valve; and wherein the linkage moves substantially linearly to alternate the valve between a first position and a second position.

5. The control system according to claim 1 wherein: the linkage further comprises a turnbuckle comprising at least one internally threaded end.

6. The control system according to claim 5 wherein: at least one of the ends of the turnbuckle comprises an enlarged pad.

7. The control system according to claim 1 wherein: the valve diverts hydraulic fluid from the feed system to a hydraulic storage tank when the actuator is moved from the first position to the second position.

8. A wood chipper comprising: a hydraulically powered feed system comprising one or more feed wheels; an infeed tray comprising a feedforward side for receiving wood material and a rearward side opposite the feedforward side adapted to allow the wood material to enter the hydraulically powered feed system; an actuator mounted to the infeed tray of the wood chipper and having at least a first position and a second position; a control valve having a mechanical input and in fluid communication with the one or more feed wheels, adapted to interrupt operation of the one or more feed wheels in response to actuation of the mechanical input of the control valve; a linkage positioned along an underside of the infeed tray and comprising: (a) a first end coupled to the actuator positioned near the feedforward side of the infeed tray; (b) a second end coupled to the mechanical input of the control valve; (c) wherein the linkage moves substantially linearly to actuate the control valve when the actuator moves between the first position and the second position; a lever adapted to be actuated with the actuator in the second position to manually move the actuator and the linkage from the second position to the first position; and a mechanical link positioned along an underside of the infeed tray and coupling the lever and the mechanical input of the control valve.

9. A wood chipper comprising: a powered cutting system, a hydraulically powered feed system comprising one or more feed wheels, and an infeed system comprising an infeed tray and an infeed chute; an actuator comprising an elongated bar hingedly affixed to a forward feed side of the infeed tray and having at least a first position and a second position, the second position engageable upon an operators input, the actuator further comprising a biasing device for biasing the bar to the first position; a control valve in fluid communication with the one or more feed wheels, the valve mounted to the infeed chute of the wood chipper, the valve adapted to permit hydraulic fluid to flow within the hydraulically powered feed system so as to allow operation of the one or more feed wheels when in a first position, and adapted to divert hydraulic fluid from the hydraulically powered feed system to a reservoir, thereby diverting hydraulic power from the one or more feed wheels when in a second position, the second position being set in response to a mechanical input; a turnbuckle operatively interlinking the actuator and the mechanical input of the valve thereby providing a direct mechanical connection between the actuator to the valve such that when the actuator is the first position the valve is not acted upon and remains in the first position, and when the actuator is moved to the second position the linkage transmits and moves the valve to the second position; wherein the control valve must be manually reset from the second position to the first position, by an operator, via a lever.

10. The wood chipper according to claim 1 wherein: the linkage comprises a turnbuckle operatively interlinking the actuator and the mechanical input of the valve.

11. A wood chipper comprising: an infeed tray comprising a first side opposite a second side and separated by a feedforward side for receiving wood material and a rearward side opposite the feedforward side adapted to allow the wood material to enter a hydraulically powered feed system; an actuator having at least a first and second position, the actuator comprising an elongated bar extending from the first side of the infeed tray to the second side of the infeed tray, and along a bottom of the infeed tray; a hydraulic valve adapted to provide hydraulic fluid to the feed system thereby powering the feed system when the actuator is in a first position, and removing power from the feed system when the actuator is in a second position; a first lever operably coupled to the hydraulic valve and positioned near the first side of the infeed tray; a second lever operably coupled to the hydraulic valve and positioned near the second side of the infeed tray; and a linkage system coupling the actuator and the hydraulic valve, and coupling the first and second levers and the hydraulic valve with the linkage system comprising a first link positioned on and extending along the underside of the infeed tray from the actuator towards the rearward side of the infeed tray, and a second link positioned on the underside of the infeed tray.

12. The wood chipper according to claim 11 further comprising: a second elongated bar extending from the first side of the infeed tray to the second side of the infeed tray, and along a bottom of the infeed tray with the first and second levers coupled to opposing ends of the second elongated bar with the linkage system coupled to the second elongated bar.

13. The control system according to claim 1 wherein: the actuator is adapted to be pivoted between the first and second positions with the pivotal motion of the actuator resulting in substantially linear motion of the linkage along the underside of the infeed tray.

14. The wood chipper according to claim 11, further comprising: a turnbuckle coupled to the elongated rod and adapted to adjust a length of the linkage.

15. The control system according to claim 1 wherein the lever comprises a pair of levers.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) As a compliment to the description and for better understanding of the specification presented herein, 16 pages of drawings are disclosed with an informative, but not limiting, intention.

(2) FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a prior art wood chipper comprising a disk type chipping system;

(3) FIG. 1A is a side view of another embodiment of a prior art wood chipper comprising a drum type chipping system;

(4) FIG. 2 is a partial side view of a wood chipper illustrating the infeed system and an embodiment of the control system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

(5) FIG. 2A is a partial side view of the wood chipper of FIG. 2, illustrating the control system in a second position;

(6) FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a control system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

(7) FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the hydraulics of wood chipper and a control system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

(8) FIG. 5 is a partial side view of the infeed tray and control system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

(9) FIG. 5A is an enlarged view illustrating an embodiment of a control linkage of the control system of FIG. 5;

(10) FIG. 5B is another enlarged view illustrating an embodiment of a control linkage of the control system of FIG. 5;

(11) FIG. 6 is a partial bottom view of an infeed tray and control system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

(12) FIG. 7 is another schematic representation of the hydraulics of FIG. 4;

(13) FIG. 7A is a schematic representation of the hydraulics of a prior art wood chipper and feed system;

(14) FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of the hydraulics of a wood chipper and a control system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

(15) FIG. 8A is a schematic representation of the hydraulics of a wood chipper and a control system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

(16) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of associated parts according to an embodiment of the present invention;

(17) FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of an underside of a feed tray illustrating the covers and override lever according to an embodiment of the present invention;

(18) FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of an underside of a feed tray illustrating the covers and override lever according to another embodiment of the present invention;

(19) FIG. 12 illustrates a front view according to another embodiment of the present invention;

(20) FIG. 12A illustrates a side view of the infeed tray of FIG. 12;

(21) FIG. 12B illustrates a bottom view of the infeed tray of FIG. 12;

(22) FIG. 12C illustrate a side view of the infeed tray of FIGS. 12A-B, with the infeed tray in a folded position;

(23) FIG. 13 illustrates the bottom view of FIG. 12B;

(24) FIG. 13A illustrates an enlarged partial view of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(25) 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.

(26) For purposes of description herein, the terms upper, lower, right, left, rear, front, vertical, horizontal, and derivatives thereof, shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

(27) Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These same referenced numerals may be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. Further, like features between the various embodiments may utilize similar numerical designations. Where appropriate, the various similar features may 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 (if provided) are to be considered as forming no part of the present invention.

(28) As used herein, the terms 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 lumber, pallets, or other manufactured products that could otherwise be recycled, reduced, or otherwise processed, as is generally known within the art.

(29) As used herein, the term waste processing system is meant to be used and defined in its broad, 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, wood chippers, shredders, grinders, and the like. 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.

(30) As used herein, the term primary system is meant to be used and defined in its broad, general, and ordinary sense. To wit, the waste processing systems (i.e., sub-systems) which are responsible for the primary operations and/or features of the overall waste processing machine and/or system and included therein is the feed system, the cutting system, and the power supply, source, or engine. 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.

(31) For the most part hereinafter we will limit our discussion of the invention as related to a wood chipper. However, the inventive embodiments disclosed herein are not meant to be so limited (unless claimed as such), and the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein may be utilized on any waste processing machine.

(32) With such in mind, as used herein, the term wood chipper is meant to be used and defined in its broad, 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, wood chippers, shredders, and the like. 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.

(33) Referring now to the drawings and to FIG. 1 in particular, a prior art wood chipper is shown generally at 10 and includes a frame 12 supported by a pair of wheels 14, a conventional trailer hitch 16 to allow the chipper to be towed by a vehicle (not shown), and a power source 18. Supported on frame 12, the wood chipper 10 includes: an infeed assembly or system 20 comprising an infeed tray 22 and an infeed chute 24 to allow wood material to enter the wood chipper; a feed system 25 comprising a feed wheel assembly (not shown), the feed wheel assembly typically comprising at least one feed wheel (not shown) disposed between the infeed system 20 and the cutting system 30 to feed wood material to the cutting system, and one or more feed wheel housings 28; a cutting assembly or system 30 spaced from the feed system 25 and comprising cutters (not shown) and a cutting assembly housing 34; and a discharge assembly 40 comprising a discharge chute 42.

(34) The power source 18 typically comprises an internal combustion engine and provides rotational energy to both the feed wheels (not shown) of the feed system 25 and the cutting disc/drum (not shown) of the cutting system 30. The engine 18 operatively couples the feed system 25 and cutting system 30 to cause rotation of the feed wheels (not shown) and the rotatable disc/drum (not shown). The engine 18 is typically operated such that the cutting disc/drum (not shown) rotates at a relatively high velocity, while the feed wheels (not shown) rotate relatively slowly. In operation, trees, brush, and other bulk wood products are fed into the infeed chute 24 and captured between, for example, opposed, rotating feed wheels (not shown) of the feed system 25 which feed, pull, or otherwise cause the bulk wood products to encounter the cutting disc/drum (not shown) of the cutting system 30. The cutting system then reduces the bulk wood products into chips which are expelled through discharge chute 42.

(35) Referring now to FIG. 1A, a prior art wood chipper similar to FIG. 1 is shown generally at 10 and whereas FIG. 1 illustrates a cutting system 30 which includes a disc style cutting/reduction system, FIG. 1A illustrates a drum style cutting/reduction system.

(36) Referring now to FIG. 2, the control system 50 comprises an actuator 60 which is attached where appropriate for accessible activation by the operator. In one embodiment the actuator comprises an elongated bar 61 which is attached to a front portion 202 of the infeed tray 22 (e.g., a forward feed side of the infeed tray) via a pair of hinges 62 mounted to respective sides of the infeed tray 22, such that the elongated bar 61 is hingedly disposed below a bottom surface 204 of tray 22 and movable, positionable, and or otherwise able to be actuated via an operator. In this manner the bar 61 can be activated anywhere along the front of the infeed tray 22 for maximum variability. In the exemplary embodiment, the bar 61 is rotatable (via operator input, activation, or actuation) in a direction R from a first position P1 as illustrated in FIG. 2 and to which it is normally biased, to any other second position, for example, to the second position P2 as illustrated in FIG. 2A. Generally speaking the actuator 60 may be any device that is adapted for actuation by an operator (for example, via the lower torso or lower extremities of an operator) including, for example, a switch, bar, actuator, or the like. Further, a biasing device such as a spring may also be provided in order to bias the actuator to the first position.

(37) Control system 50 also comprises a hydraulic valve 80 which is fluidly connected to the hydraulically powered feed system 25 and operatively disposed therein, whereby valve 80 is adapted to provide, permit, and allow hydraulic fluid to flow within the hydraulically powered feed system 25 and the associated one or more feed wheels 26 (not shown) so as to allow operation of the feed system 25 (e.g., feed wheels 26) when the actuator 60 is in the first position P1 and adapted to change, reverse, interrupt, divert, obstruct, or prevent hydraulic fluid flow when not in the first position (e.g., when in position P2), thereby changing, reversing, interrupting, preventing, or otherwise limiting normal operation of the feed system 25 (e.g., feed wheels 26). In one exemplary embodiment, valve 80 comprises a hydraulic directional control valve 82 which includes a mechanical input 84 for control thereof, in this particular example a shaft 86, whereby when the mechanical input 84 is in a first position 51 (as illustrated in FIG. 2) hydraulic fluid is allowed to flow normally to the feed system 25 and associated one or more feed wheels such that normal operation, normal controls, safety devices, etc. are allowed, maintained, or not acted upon. However, when the input 84 is not in the first position 51, for example in a position S2 (as illustrated in FIG. 2A), hydraulic fluid is not allowed to flow normally to the feed system 25, and operation of the one or more feed wheels is thereby effected, made inoperable, reversed, or otherwise changed or acted upon. For example, operation of the one or more feed wheels 26 may be prevented or reversed by effecting, controlling, diverting or preventing the flow of hydraulic fluid thereto.

(38) In another exemplary embodiment and as illustrated by the hydraulic schematic of FIG. 3, the mechanical valve 80 (e.g., hydraulic directional control valve 82) is linked to the mechanical actuator or switch 60 (e.g., bar 61) via the mechanical linkage 70 (e.g., rod 72). In this manner, movement of the actuator 60 from a position P1 to another position P2 will act to physically, mechanically, or otherwise directly move linkage 70 (via first end 74 acting on, for example, bar 61), whereby the linkage 70 will physically, mechanically, or otherwise directly move input 84 (via second end 76 acting on, for example, input shaft 86), whereby the movement of input 84 physically, mechanically, or otherwise directly changes the flow or direction of flow of hydraulic fluid. In one exemplary embodiment, when the position of shaft 86 is changed to other than S1 (e.g., to S2), hydraulic fluid is diverted from its normal path (e.g., from a reservoir 110, via a pump 112, to the feed system 25 and back to the reservoir) whereby normal operation and control of the wood chipper 10, including normal operation of the one or more feed wheels 26 is interrupted and hydraulic fluid is diverted by valve 80 directly to the reservoir 110 thereby not allowing the one or more feed wheels 26 to operate. Further, this embodiment requires that the valve 80 be manually reset by the operator in order for normal operation to commence. To wit, this embodiment requires that the input shaft 86 be physically, mechanically, or otherwise directly moved from second position S2 to normal or first position 51 in order to resume normal operation of the wood chipper. In one embodiment, this manual deactivation of the valve is accomplished via an override linkage or lever 90 whereby lever 90 must be actuated, the lever being adapted to, upon actuation, physically, mechanically, or otherwise directly move the valve 80 (e.g., input shaft 86) back to input its first or normal position, for normal operation of the wood chipper 10. This may be accomplished for example, by having the lever 90 operatively connected to a mechanical link 92 (see FIG. 6) which is disposed between or otherwise connects linkage 70 to valve input 84. This may for example comprise a U shaped connector or toggle disposed between and mechanically connecting linkage 70 and valve input 84, which is operable, positionable, or toggled via the lever 90, or may comprise a slider, or in any other known manner. Generally speaking the valve 80 may be any hydraulic valve comprising a mechanical input for actuation.

(39) Control system 50 also comprises a linkage 70 which is operatively disposed such that the linkage 70 interlinks, connects, and transfers the movement of actuator 60 to the valve 80. In the embodiment illustrated, a rod 72 comprises a first end 74 which interacts with bar 61, and a second end 76 which interacts with valve 80 (e.g., a first end 88 of input 84, more particularly and in this example, a first end 88 of input shaft 86), thereby converting and transferring the rotational motion of bar 61 (via physically, mechanically, or otherwise directly interacting with first end 74) to a linear motion L1 which acts to provide a mechanical input to the valve 80 (via physically, mechanically, or otherwise directly interacting with second end 76). In this manner, a physical, mechanical, or otherwise direct mechanical connection is provided from actuator 60 to valve 80 and therebetween.

(40) Generally speaking the linkage 70 may be any link, linkage, connection, bar, shaft, rod or the like that is adapted for said connections. And in one embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 5, 5A, and 5B, a turnbuckle 120 is utilized which comprises a first or lead end 122, an enlarged pad or bearing surface 124 attached to the first end 122, and an adjustment device 126 which in the embodiment illustrated comprises an internally threaded bar. Turnbuckle 120 also includes a second end 128, an enlarged pad or bearing surface 130 attached to the second end 128, and an adjustment device 132 which in the embodiment illustrated comprises an internally threaded bar. Further, one or more ends may also comprise a spring 134 in order to further facilitate adjustment and tensioning. Still further, additional biasing devices such as a spring may also be provided in order to bias the linkage, thereby biasing the actuator 60 to the first position.

(41) FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the control device, system and feed wheel deactivation system 50 for a wood chipper 10 comprising a non-foldable infeed tray 22A. In this embodiment the control bar 61 is disposed along a front 202 of the tray 22A, whereby the linkage 70, disposed on an underside 204 of tray 22A, is operatively connected to valve input shaft 86 across link 92, whereby link 92 is connected to override bar 90, and via link 92 and bar 90, system 50 is able to be manually reset.

(42) FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the hydraulic flow system of FIG. 4, wherein the circled numbers illustrate exemplary lengths of various hydraulic hosing 114 according to one embodiment of a wood chipper 10.

(43) FIG. 7A schematically illustrates the hydraulic flow system of a prior art wood chipper and feed system for comparison.

(44) FIG. 8 illustrates hydraulic flow according to another embodiment which also includes one or more momentary over-ride switches, actuators, levers or the like 96 which are disposed within the hydraulic feed system 25 such that the one or more feed wheels 26 may be operated, for example momentarily, when the valve 80 is in the second, bypass, or diverting mode and while the switch 96 is actuated (for example, depressed). In one embodiment when the switch 96 is depressed to a second position, and only while being depressed, the one or more feed wheels 26 will be allowed to operate only in a reverse. This may be accomplished for example via a mechanically biased valve 96 wherein flow redirection only takes place while the valve 96 is being physically, manually, and directly depressed. In this manner the system 50 remains wholly mechanical in nature and does not requiring any electronic or other non-mechanical systems for operation.

(45) In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8A, the addition of a hydraulically powered winch system 140 is provided for and allows for momentary operation of a winch motor 142 to assist with material feeding and/or clearing.

(46) FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the components of a retrofittable kit 200 and may comprise, for example, the actuator 70, over-ride 90, linkage 70 and housings or covers 206.

(47) FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the components of the retrofittable kit 200 of FIG. 9 mounted to an exemplary infeed tray 22 and FIG. 11 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the components of the retrofittable kit 200A.

(48) As detailed herein, the control system 50 of the present invention is completely mechanical in its operation and does not rely on electronic systems or electronic switches to accomplish its objectives. As such, complexity is reduced and reliability increased. Further yet, because of its wholly mechanical nature, the control system is able to be retrofitted to existing waste processing machines by simply interposing the control system 50 (to wit, actuator 60, linkage 70, and valve 80) in-between the existing chippers hydraulic feed system. In this manner a kit can be supplied for existing chipping systems which allows for the increased safety of such existing systems.

(49) The embodiment depicted operates independently of the feed wheel control lever 23 located on both sides and the top of the infeed hopper 24. As such, the bottom bump bar 61 is directly and mechanically connected to a (to shift) a hydraulic selector valve 80 once the bar 61 is pushed or activated, and upon activation (e.g., movement from a first to a second position) the valve 80 is moved or activated (e.g., movement from a first to a second position) and hydraulic fluid is diverted from its normal (in-use) fluid path, to a bypass path that flows (back) to the reservoir tank 110, thereby preventing the fluid from getting to (e.g., powering) the feed wheels and thereby preventing further operation of the feed wheel(s).

(50) Once the device is activated, one embodiment requires that the device be manually reset by way of a second actuator or switch 90 that will move or switch the selector valve 80 back to the feed position (e.g., first position) and the hydraulic fluid is then again supplied to the feed wheels and normal operation will return.

(51) 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 FIG. 1, or any other, typically, movable machinery used to chip, grind, cut, or otherwise reduce bulk products. Further, while the preferred embodiment incorporates a pair of opposed, horizontally aligned feed wheels, it is understood that any feed system may be utilized. It should be further understood that this disclosure describes certain structures and operations with respect to a hydraulic system, however, other powering systems may also be utilized. Still further, the waste processing system 10 is described and illustrated as being operated by an internal combustion engine, however, the system may also be powered by any other suitable method, including, but not limited to, electricity, gas, diesel, or a power take-off from an auxiliary power source, without departing from the scope of this invention. In general, cutting system 30, feed system 25, and power source 18 are known in the art. Further, it is to be understood that numerous configurations of these known devices may be used and the description herein is not meant to be limiting with respect to these systems, unless otherwise noted, and equivalent components may be used.

(52) It should be further understood that this disclosure describes the structure and operation of a safety and control system 50 with respect to a hydraulic system, however, other powering systems may also be utilized.

(53) 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.

(54) The solutions offered by the invention disclosed herein have thus been attained in an economical, practical, and facile manner. To wit, a novel control system which is cost effective, easily installed, strong, and aesthetically pleasing 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 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.