Abstract: A machine and method for continuously orienting and tapping fasteners such as pierce nuts with the nuts being advanced in face-to-face manner aligned on the machine feed path. The machine is operable in one mode, in combination with nut collection means, to receive strips of the nuts from the feed path in side-to-side array for delivery in installation-ready coiled strips to an installation assembly or the like. One embodiment of the collection means includes apparatus for collecting and dispensing the nuts in unconnected linear stacks. Tapping of the nuts is performed by the machine in a "reverse flow" or deferred manner just prior to the nuts being dispensed from the feed path with the tapped nuts maintained in face-to-face spaced array. The machine reverse flow tapping provides for burr clearance between the spaced nuts to thereby assure that tapping burrs will not improperly position the nuts obviating machine jamming and thread obstruction by such burrs.

Abstract: A shoe side or combined heel seat and side lasting machine has two cement applying nozzles movable from an initial position, adjacent one another, outwardly to a first position, determined by abutments associated one with each nozzle, which abutments guide the nozzles in a straight line in the shoe bottom waist region. In the combined machine version, such outward movement causes a V-shaped pattern of adhesive to be applied in the shoe bottom heel seat region. Selector means is also provided for causing, according to whether the shoe is a left or right, the abutment associated with the nozzle tracking along the inside edge of the shoe bottom, to move from its first to a second position when the nozzle reaches the shoe bottom joint region, while the other nozzle continues in a straight line, thus to facilitate adhesive application to marginal portions of the shoe bottom up to the ball region.

Abstract: An apparatus for shaping the counters of shoe uppers is of the type which includes, on higher portions of the same frame or framework, two heating stations for heating portions of the upper, reactivating glue for assembly of the shoe uppers. In lower portions of the apparatus, two shaping stations for shaping the counters, which are made of a preform, comprise a last and shaper able to engage with one another to clamp the shoe upper tightly. The apparatus is provided with instrumentalities allowing each shaping station to operate in three stages; namely, (a) holding of the shoe piece on the last and fitting it to the height of the shoe upper, (b) positioning of the piece by holding of the preform shaper on the shoe upper at slight pressure, and then (c) properly shaping by clamping of the shoe upper between the shaper and last under a rather high pressure of 5 to 6 kg/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: A self-contained pool cleaning apparatus has a filter body with dirt and debris collectors positioned on the filter body front and back. During forward movement of the pool cleaning apparatus, the front debris collector is lowered to contact the pool surface by rearward movement of a wheel assembly mounted on the filter body bottom and forward pressure exerted on the filter body by way of handle mounted on the filter body. At the same time, the rearwardly oriented debris collector is raised away from the pool surface. During backward movement of the pool cleaning apparatus, the wheel assembly moves forward relative to the center of the filter body, resulting in the back debris collector being lowered into operating position engaging pool surface while the front debris collector is lifted away from the pool surface.

Abstract: A rotatable cloth scrubbing rush for cleaning the exterior of a vehicle comprises a rotatable shaft or hub, a plurality of cloth wiping members for contacting the surface to be cleaned, and means for limiting the penetration of the portion of the vehicle being cleaned with the brush. One such means for limiting penetration of the portion of the vehicle being cleaned comprises a disk wheel of a predetermined diameter mounted around said shaft or hub and interposed between said cloth wiping members. Another means for limiting penetration comprises sets of bristles connected at one end to said shaft or hub and interleaved between rows of cloth wiping members.

Abstract: A door hinge assembly is especially adapted to be used in cabinets or the like whose side walls cannot support the hinge arm of the hinge. The cabinet has a door frame structure to which a fastening member for the hinge arm is secured, and the fastening member extends into a recess in the corresponding structural member of the door frame structure. An adjustment device for adjusting the fastening member within the recess of the structural member are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for electrically stunning animals to be slaughtered. Said apparatus comprises electrodes which are pivotable about horizontal axes and, in their initial position, extend downwardly into a V-shaped passageway formed between two parallel endless conveyors. Said electrodes are mounted within a frame which is movable in a direction coinciding with the direction of movement of the conveyors. Said frame is connected to a driving mechanism which is adapted to move the frame with substantially the same speed as the speed of the conveyors and which starts its movement upon closure of the circuit between the electrodes by an animal to be stunned.

Abstract: The invention relates to a meat tendering device comprising a frame supporting a movable blade holder assembly facing a grid constituted by grid elements between which blades mounted on said blade holder assembly are adapted to pass. The blade holder assembly is adapted to be displaced toward a base which is adapted to receive the meat to be treated and located below said grid. The blade holder assembly comprises a blade holder block including a blade holder, a framework adapted to receive and maintain firmly in place a plurality of removable cutting blades, and a plate which is located above the blade holder block and which is provided with sliding guides which cooperate with rails integral with the framework.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for forming a relatively porous patty of plastic food material that is subject to shrinkage during cooking. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a foraminous member having a plurality of apertures and a piston slidably disposed in a receiving chamber on one side of the foraminous member. A pressurizable feed chamber is provided with a feed mechanism for feeding and pressurizing the food material and forcing the material through the apertures and into the receiving chamber. A mold is provided for being aligned with the foraminous member and for receiving the material as it is discharged from the receiving chamber by movement of the piston. The discharging material impinges upon a wall of the mold to form a patty in which the material defines interstitial voids therein for entrapping air and providing retention of cooking juices to promote more rapid and uniform cooking of the patty.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a supporting device, particularly for game animals, which comprises first and second elongated members. A first end of the second elongated member is attached perpendicularly to a first end of the first member. A first, stationary cross bar is attached perpendicularly to a second end of the second member. In a preferred embodiment, of the present invention the first elongated member is rotatably received within a sleeve. In a further preferred embodiment a second cross bar, movable toward and away from the first, stationary cross bar, is displaced by a cable and a winch. A pair of chains having ends of the stationary and second movable cross bar passed through appropriate links of each of the chains selectively holds the movable cross bar against downward vertical movement with respect to the stationary cross bar and limits pivotal and rotational movement of the movable cross bar about the cable.

Abstract: Beef tongues from a kill floor are trimmed while at a temperature no less than about 92.degree. F., rigidified by chilling them to about 35.degree. to 45.degree. F., and passed several times while in their rigidified condition through a skinning machine which grips a leading end of the skin and pulls the tongue at a velocity no greater than about 60 feet per second into a blade which slices a thin layer including the skin from the surface of the tongue. The skinned tongue is wrapped, boxed and frozen for shipment.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for separating trash from irregularly-shaped clusters of material containing trash, fiber motes, and cotton lint. The apparatus comprises a rotatable drum encircled by a screen. The drum contains a plurality of finger-shaped baffles preferably arranged in two rows disposed 180.degree. apart on the inner periphery of the drum. As material is delivered to the rotating drum, the finger-shaped baffles lift and tumble the clusters of material and pull the material apart to separate the heavy trash. The heavy trash drops through the screen and is removed by a conveyor. The fiber motes and cotton lint, along with smaller trash, are retained within the rotating drum and removed at an outlet end of the drum.

Abstract: An adjustable fastener for interconnecting a first part and a second part, comprising: an elongate rack adapted to be secured to the first part and having a row of teeth; and a slider adapted to be fastened to the second part and movable on and along the rack for locking engagement therewith at a selected position. The slider comprises a housing having a longitudinal channel for passage therethrough of the rack, and a groove extending transversely of and opening toward the channel. A locking member is slidably held within the groove for locking engagement with one of the teeth. Elongate resilient means extends in an along the channel for normally retaining in its free state the locking member in locking engagement with said one of the teeth, the locking member being movable along the groove out of locking engagement with said one of the teeth against the force of the resilient means.

Abstract: Apparatus for clamping a cable, wiring or tubing, includes a pair of straps each made from a springlike material and each having a flat portion and a looped portion extending from the flat portion in mating relationship to the looped portion of the other strap to define a clamp. Each of the looped portions has an open configuration at one end for a sliding relationship between the looped portions to define the relative closure of the clamp. The looped portion on one of the straps may extend from the flat portion in a clockwise direction and the looped portion on the other strap may extend from the flat portion in a counterclockwise direction. The flat portions on the straps are disposed relative to each other for clamping to provide for a closure of the clamp. Means such as holes are disposed in the flat portions of the straps for providing for a clamping of the flat portions to obtain a closure of the clamp against the cable, wiring or tubing.

Abstract: An improved sealing means is provided for a sealed prefocused light source mount for a parabolic aluminized reflector (PAR) lamp and, in particular, to improved leak-proof sealing means for an all-plastic PAR lamp or a PAR lamp comprising a plastic reflector. The improved mount construction utilizes a plastic block having mating parts which define a cavity from which lead wires extend and which is filled with an elastomeric polymer providing both a leak-proof seal around the lead wires as well as a more reliable barrier to moisture leakage through the mount assembly.

Abstract: A machining center having a magazine for storing toolholders with tools mounted therein. The magazine includes a plurality of laterally open toolholder sockets for receiving one toolholder each with its axis parallel to the tool spindle axis of the machining center. Each toolholder socket on the magazine includes a locking member enabling the toolholder to be locked in its inserted position in the magazine thereby preventing accidental withdrawal of the toolholder during rotatable movement of the magazine. Each toolholder socket on the magazine includes flange members which engage the grooves on each toolholder thereby holding each toolholder in alignment enabling the correct position of each toolholder during transfer from the magazine to the spindle of the machining center.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for forming bores in articles, such as lumber studs which includes a conveyor operable for transporting the studs to a work station. Disposed adjacent the work station is a charging mechanism operable for isolating a predetermined course of the studs from the conveyor at the work station and maintaining the course substantially stationary. Drill sets are mounted on the charger and beneath the course and are operable for selectively shifting vertically upwardly for drilling bores in the course. The charger includes a carriage assembly which is disposed beneath the conveyor selectively operable for reciprocal vertical shifting to lift the course from the conveyor and return the course thereto. The drills are rigidly mounted on the carriage assembly and are moveable therewith. Additionally, the carriage assembly is provided with a lift element which is mounted thereon by means of a resilient mounting.

Abstract: A brake adjuster tool including a set of dies and a pneumatic press for assembly and disassembly of a main landing gear brake adjuster. The assembly operation requires only two steps saving considerable time while presetting the adjuster pin automatically on assembly. The brake adjuster tool includes a pneumatic cylinder or diaphragm, control valve and air regulator and provides a mechanical pressure of up to 400 pounds with a linear travel of 4 inches which is needed to perform the operation.

Abstract: A fixture for locating and holding a fitting in position to be welded to a base member comprises a body for clamping the fixture, adjustable supporting legs for securing the body in a selected position at one side of the base member, and an anchor device carried by said body and having retainer fingers movable through the fitting and an opening in the base member for engagement with the opposite side of the latter. The retainer fingers are movable between retracted and projected positions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a powdered metal casing and an apparatus and method for making the powdered metal casing, which casing is useful for shaped explosive charges for perforating oil and gas wells.

Abstract: Loading of a pull-through blind riveting mandrel is effected by arranging on an elongated sleeve a plurality of hollow rivets assembled head-to-tail, threading the mandrel along the sleeve, and transferring the rivets to the mandrel while withdrawing the sleeve. In addition to this procedure the invention contemplates provision of a package or assemblage for facilitating storage and/or transfer of the rivets of a column to a reuseable rivet-installing mandrel.

Abstract: Articles and a method are disclosed useful for providing a lift insert for a cast concrete product, such as a cast concrete slab or panel. The articles include a threadless plug for temporary insertion into an insert for receiving a lifting device in a cast concrete product, an insertion tool therefor, and the insert assembly. The threadless plug is characterized by an elastomeric tubular member having closure and/or abutment means on each end and dimensioned such that, in its operative position in the lift insert, such as a coil insert, the portion of the tubular member between the ends is placed in tension to positively seal against ingress of concrete into the top of the coil or insert and between the void plug and the coil during casting.

Abstract: A plastic pipe comprises an inner wall and an outer wall, being integral with longitudinal partitions between them and bounding longitudinally extending channels and a circumferential, helically, or non-helically extending groove, which groove has been formed by closing the channels by pressing channel wall parts onto each other. A retaining ring may be snapped into an external groove.

Abstract: A method for making a light emitting diode display socket. A standard receiving socket with contact terminals extending in a dual-in-line configuration from one side thereof is coupled to one edge of each of two printed circuit cards having individual terminals extending from another edge. The contact terminals of the socket enter appropriate holes along the one edge of the printed circuit cards. The assembly is then wave soldered to permanently connect the individual terminals and the socket contact terminals to the printed circuit cards. The cards are then folded toward each other to a parallel, spaced confronting position and they are secured in that position for final permanent assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel and improved tool for removing worn and cracked grout from between floor, wall and ceiling tiles in a rapid and efficient manner whereby damage to the tiles is reduced to a minimum.In accordance with one form of the invention novel means is provided for limiting the depth of penetration of the tool in the grout and between the adjacent tiles and in another form of the invention novel means is provided whereby the grout removing portion of the tool may be readily changed to provide a tool adapted for work requiring blade means of different sizes and having different grout removing characteristics.

Abstract: A filament type vegetation trimmer having slinger head for rotating a portion of the filament in a radial plane is provided with a filament support tube for supporting the filament in the radial plane, the filament support tube being provided with apparatus which coact with apparatus provided in the slinger head for cooling the filament supported therewithin.

Abstract: Filament trimmer structure comprising a screw-free or unitary dual shank, balancing handle, housing and elongate handle portion, the handle portion having a lateral cover plate; the dual shank both protecting in a first tubular part a contained electric lead and through a second tubular part venting air from a chaff-free location at a handle upper portion, downward into the housing.

Abstract: A utensil such as a lobster fork, or lobster pick includes a handle and at least one tine having a plurality of substantially frustro-conical members end-to-end, each of progressively larger diameter from the first, or tip, member through the second member to a third member, the three members forming an enlarged barbed spear head at the end of each tine. The base of each member is dished and concave, the peripheral outer edge of each member is blunt and rounded and there are three elongated grooves spaced 120.degree. apart extending along the tapered members of the spear head.

Abstract: Displacements of a moving stem are measured by an optoelectronic high precision dimension and displacement measuring sensor. The stem slides in a body on two guides carried by the body. Two adjacent photoreceivers symmetrically positioned on either side of the stem axis are responsive to an optical source. A cover carried by the moving stem is situated between the source and the photoreceivers. The cover includes transparent and opaque parts so the cover movement increases and decreases the areas of the two photoreceivers exposed to the light source. The cover is substantially symmetrical with the contact tip at the stem end relative to the center point between the two guides, whereby mechanical play of the stem in the guides causes the illumination of the photoreceivers to be virtually the same.

Abstract: An angle measuring device for establishing a position of a frame member in two orthogonal planes or in an azimuth plane, relative to a reference plane, comprising a frame member supporting a plurality of equally radially and angularly spaced linear potentiometers having rods which engage a base plate and are pivotally connected thereto to permit the frame to be swiveled in any location about the base plate. The potentiometers are calibrated to provide an indication of the position of the frame relative to the base plate as a result of movement of the rods within the potentiometers.

Abstract: A series of flat templates, each having a peripheral shape of a hole required in a wall panel, that may be releasably positioned on a utility fixture to be serviced by the hole. The panel facing side of each template is provided with an adhesive so that if a wall panel that is ultimately to define a hole to service a utility fixture is positioned against the template it will releasably adhere to the panel to determine position and configuration of the hole to be established. The template adhesive is of a form that may be reused and replaced.

Abstract: A pipe fitter's square has a plurality of linear edges oriented at selected angles to provide easy and accurate alignment of pipe sections. A first edge of the square is parallel to its longitudinal axis. Second and third edges of the square are positioned at 45.degree. angles to the first edge to provide for 90.degree. pipe section alignment. Fourth and fifth edges of the square are positioned at 22.5.degree. angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the square to allow alignment for a 45.degree. bend. Levels are mounted to the square parallel and adjacent to the respective first, second and third edges to provide references to the horizontal and vertical and to make possible the division of pipe exteriors into equal angular sections. A protractor scale is imprinted on the square and a pivotal protractor arm is mounted on the square to measure specific angles.

Abstract: Apparatus for gauging the alignment of a multiplicity of bearing seats lying along a common reference axis comprising an elongated shaft, first and second bearings for rotatably journaling the shaft in a pair of reference bearing seats, a radial distance indicator mechanism coupled to a collar slidably mounted on the shaft, and a means to contact the radial distance indicator mechanism to selected bearing seats. When the shaft is rotated with the radial distance indicator mechanism in contact with the bearing seat, eccentricity of a selected bearing seat can be determined with respect to the reference axis.

Abstract: A sundial is disclosed comprising specularly reflective convex surfaces that form virtual images of the sun in a separate plane or conical surface in which a numbered dial plate is mounted. The axis of revolution of the curved surfaces is mounted parallel to the axis of rotation of the earth and the time scale is also centered about this axis, but in a separate plane or cone located at a distance below the nearest reflective convex surface equal to the radius of said convex surface.

Abstract: A mason's guide system which has at least a pair of elongate bodies that have telescoping extensions of the bodies are provided to engage a floor and ceiling. The bodies are provided with longitudinally adjustable measuring tapes and a moveable marker for precisely locating a line at the same indicia marks on the tapes.

Abstract: A method and/or apparatus for drying material by disposing the material against a heated surface that has a charged electrode arrangement disposed adjacent the surface and cooperating therewith to define a plurality of alternately arranged non-uniform electrostatic fields extending between the electrode arrangement and the surface with each non-uniform field having the higher intensity portion thereof substantially oppositely located relative to the higher intensity portion of an adjacent non-uniform field so that the fields can at least partially extend through the material when the material is disposed against the surface and between the surface and the electrode arrangement.

Abstract: A dryer wherein wet clothing placed in a drying chamber is dried by hot air resulting from the heat generated by an electric heater. The dryer comprises a ventilation fan which draws off air streams from the drying chamber and introduces the same amount of air streams as those thus removed into the drying chamber during a drying cycle. An amount of air streams ventilated by the ventilation fan is set at less than 1 m.sup.3 /min per kilowatt of the heat-generating capacity of the electric heater while the electric heater is operated.

Abstract: An energy saving vent is provided for selectively directing hot, moist exhaust air from a clothes dryer either through a downstream vent sleeve to the outdoors, or through a vent port to the indoors. The vent includes four major components principally molded from a synthetic plastic resin, the components being: an open sided housing; a closure panel for closing one open side of the housing; a valve member within the housing for selectively directing air through the housing in alternate paths; and a filter screen assembly for another open side of the housing. The selectively swingable valve carries a pressure relief means adapted to provide for passage therepast of pressurized exhaust gas when the valve is in its position to direct air flow indoors, and in the event that the flow of air indoors is blocked by the filter screen being clogged. The preferred filter screen is a truncated, basket-like, member that is carried on a frame which is removably carried in a slide channel defined on the housing.

Abstract: An asphalt plant apparatus is disclosed having a material lifter cage arranged in coaxial relationship within a mixing drum. The lifter cage includes a plurality of cage lifters having a trough-like configuration for collecting material in the drum and spilling the material in a veil over the cross section of the drum as the cage lifters pass through a rotational path of travel. The cage lifters are divided into two sets alternately arranged about the lifter cage. The two sets consist of a first set of cage lifters having a material retaining surface fixed at an angle with respect to a radial line extending from the axis of rotation and a second set of cage lifters fixed at an angle approximately 20.degree. different from that of the first set. As the cage lifters pass through the path of travel, the first set of lifters spills material over an arc of the path approximately 20.degree.

Abstract: Safety device for crampons which permits a mountain climber to travel without danger on snow-covered slopes by preventing snow from accumulating below his crampons, would cause him to slip and fall. It comprises a sheet of deformable material which placed below the frame of the crampon and fastened to it by a plurality of side hooks and end hooks. The user can install it very easily. The invention may be used to equip all types of crampons and thus promote the safety of mountain climbers.

Abstract: A shell for an orthotic is formed monolithically and includes a heel post, a navicular flange and a metatarsal raise. The shell can be made from a semi-rigid material, such as molded rubber, and encapsulated by a suitable covering so as to form a universal orthotic.

Abstract: A dynamic internal fitting system for a sport shoe (1) is described in which there is provided a foot-engaging means (5) for engaging a foot, a leg-engaging means (6) for engaging the leg to which the foot is attached, an assembly (7) for movably mounting the leg-engaging means (6) in said sport shoe (1) for movement of said leg-engaging means (6) and a coupling assembly (8) for coupling said leg-engaging means (6) and said foot-engaging means (5) for tightening and loosening the foot-engaging means (5) relative to said foot as said leg-engaging assembly (6) is moved.

Abstract: A retaining pin assembly (16) for securing a replaceable earthworking tool (14) to a support member (12) includes a spring type pin (36) and a coacting sleeve (40). The pin assembly (16) is insertable through generally aligned openings (30,22) in the tool (14) and support member (12) and functions to lock the tool (14) to the support member (12) and to force an end portion (28) of the tool (14) into contacting relationship with shoulders (18,20) of the support member (12). Earthworking apparatus, such as impact rockbreakers and rippers, generally include a replaceable tool mounted on a shank or support member. Unless the tool is forceably held in contacting relationship with the support member, the retaining pin, tool, and support member are subject to damage. The retaining pin assembly (16) of the present invention secures the tool (14) and support member (12) in contacting relationship and maintains a continuous locking force between the tool (14) and the supporting member (12 ).

Abstract: A clip-on ornamental badge for children, having two safety components, a soft badge and a safety clip removably and adjustably attached to the badge. The orientation of the badge relative to the clip, and of the clip relative to the badge, may be changed by rotating either relative to the other, whereby the badge may be clipped to differently oriented parts of a garment, and the badge may be adjusted to differently oriented positions. The same clip may be interchangeably applied to different badges.

Abstract: A slide previewer/tray loader having a holder which is adapted to receive a photographic slide at one end thereof. The holder is initially positioned at an angle above horizontal so that the slide will drop into the holder by force of gravity. When in the initial position, the slide in the holder is illuminated by a back light so that the slide can be previewed and edited. The holder pivots in such a manner that the slide can be moved to a vertical position over a slide tray slot. Means are provided to restrain the slide in the holder during transit from the initial viewing position to the position over the slide tray slot. The restraining means releases the slide to allow it to drop into the tray slot.

Abstract: A display device is provided which is adapted for use in conjunction with conventional shelf moldings. The sign includes a first portion which snaps within the molding and a second portion which extends therefrom. The second portion is foldable with respect to the first portion so that it may be oriented perpendicularly to the shelf molding. An area of reduced width may be provided between the two portions to facilitate the device's application to the molding. The first portion may be transparent if material positioned thereunder is not to be obscured. At least two adjacent edges of the first portion are sinuated to allow it to be easily inserted within the shelf molding.

Abstract: A sight base bridge for an automatic pistol having relative movement between its slide and barrel, said bridge permitting the mounting of sights directly to the pistol barrel, thus eliminating inaccuracy caused by tolerances between the barrel and slide formerly having the sights thereon. A similar mounting system can be used for attachment of silencers and compensators.

Abstract: A toy dryer having a box-like cabinet with a front wall provided with an opening for insertion and removal of items, a hinged door for the opening, a cup-shaped drum having an open end facing the opening and supported by a horizontal drive shaft in the cabinet, a slide having rack teeth along one edge for engagement with a throw-out gear of a gear train operated by reciprocation of the slide in feed direction and the throw-out gear permitting return of the slide without interference with unidirectional drive of the drum, and an extension on the slide extending through a slot in the top of the cabinet terminating in a finger-engageable operating knob by which the slide is reciprocated in driving direction and a spring effects return movement when the knob is released. The cabinet also includes interior-planar frame members which support the slide and gear train and projections and pedestal members support the frame members and effect connection of various walls of the cabinet together.

Abstract: Toy, called "The Giant Armadillo Radar", having a molded body in the form of an armadillo, and having a rotatable antenna and flashing lights at the upper side of the body, and having a buzzer which sounds when the lights are flashing. The toy is adapted to suggest a radar-equipped armadillo to children, and to serve as a conversation piece to adults in connection with the current advertising program of a well known brewery company in which a giant armadillo is portrayed as having stolen and consumed great quantities of beer.

Abstract: Weed destroying apparatus carried on a vehicle has a generator; a step-up transformer having its secondary winding coupled to electrodes for contacting and killing weeds; a programmable semiconductor logic array; a first contactor coupled to an output of the logic array for connecting the generator to the transformer primary winding in the weed killing mode; a second contactor coupled to an output of the logic array for connecting the generator to electrical outlets for supplying electrical power to auxiliary farm equipment in a standby mode; a run/standby switch for providing binary signals to the logic array indicative as to whether the apparatus is to operate in the weed killing mode or the standby mode; a plurality of safety systems each of which has redundant interlock means for preventing an unsafe condition in which high voltage would be a hazard in the weed killing mode and sensing means for providing binary signals to the logic array indicative of whether each interlock means is in the safe condition