Abstract: An operation-enabling training and safety computer system and associated methods operable for selectively enabling and disabling a powered system including means for disabling the operation of the powered system, a display operable for presenting a user of the powered system with one or more questions related to training in the use of and safety associated with the powered system, one or more keys operable for transmitting one or more answers to the one or more questions from the user to the computer system, a processor operable for analyzing the one or more answers, and means for enabling the operation of the powered system if the one or more answers meet a set of predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A waste reducing device, such as a wood chipper, having an infeed chute, a powered feed system, a powered cutting system, a discharge chute, and a safety device including an elongated structure positioned outside of and adjacent to the infeed chute of the wood chipper, the elongated structure movable vertically downward and radially inward towards the infeed chute between a plurality of positions, and an actuator operably connected to the elongated structure, the actuator having a plurality of operable positions corresponding to the plurality of positions of the elongated structure. The plurality of operable positions of the actuator permitting, interrupting, or reversing the motive operation of the powered feed and cutting systems of the wood chipper.