Abstract: A material processing machine such as a wood chipping machine, a press, a cane cutting machine or other machine comprising an operating region having at least one processing element and an access region through which material passes to the operating region, has at least one active sensor that may be worn by a user of the machine, for example, around their wrist, and at least one detector mounted in the access region of the machine for detecting the presence of the active sensor in the access region. Control circuitry responsive to the at least one detector provides control signals for stopping operation of the machine, preventing start-up of the machine and/or otherwise preventing injury to the machine user.

Abstract: A fire extinguisher includes a tank and a gas generator breech connected to the tank. The gas generator breech is provided with a hermetically sealed gas generator cartridge. The hermetically sealed gas generator cartridge avoids the need to have a release poppet or burst shims on the gas generator breech. The enclosed space that contains combustion gas pressure is provided by the gas generator cartridge itself and not the gas generator breech. The gas generator cartridge is made from a container that can be the precursor to a beverage can used for carbonated beverages. The beverage can may come in a thickness and material of construction that makes it a suitable, cost-effective container for the gas generator cartridge. However, other containers besides precursors of beverage cans can be used.

Abstract: A material processing machine such as a wood chipping machine, a press, or other machine comprising an operating region having at least one processing element, and an access region through which material passes to the operating region, has at least one passive sensor that may be worn by a user of the machine, for example, around their wrist, and at least one sensing coil mounted in the access region of the machine for detecting the presence of the passive sensor in the access region. Control circuitry responsive to the at least one sensing coil provides control signals for stopping operation of the machine, preventing start-up of the machine and/or otherwise preventing injury to the machine user.

Abstract: A material processing machine such as a wood chipping machine, a press, or other machine comprising an operating region having at least one processing element, and an access region through which material passes to the operating region, has at least one passive sensor that may be worn by a user of the machine, for example, around their wrist, and at least one sensing coil mounted in the access region of the machine for detecting the presence of the passive sensor in the access region. Control circuitry responsive to the at least one sensing coil provides control signals for stopping operation of the machine, preventing start-up of the machine and/or otherwise preventing injury to the machine user.

Abstract: A safety system for a machine such as a wood chipping machine. The safety system has a passive sensor that may be worn on the machine operator's wrist, a sensing coil mounted to a feed chute of the machine for detecting the proximity of the passive sensor, and control circuitry which is responsive to the sensing coil. The circuitry provides a control signal for use in stopping operation of the machine. In use, the presence of the operator's arm in the chute near to parts of the machine that can cause injury will trigger the sensing coil and cause the machine to cease operating, thus circumventing injury to the operator.