Abstract: A shredder including a frame, a housing with a housing opening mounted to the frame, and a cutting blade mounted within the housing for use in shredding associated lawn debris is provided. The shredder also includes an engine mounted to the frame for use in driving the cutting blade and a hopper assembly for use in directing the associated lawn debris into the housing opening and to the cutting blade. The hopper assembly includes a chute having a first end pivotably connected to the housing and having a chute opening for receiving the associated lawn debris. The chute opening communicates with the housing opening. The chute can be positioned into first and second positions with respect to the housing. The hopper assembly also includes a flap for automatically covering at least a portion of the chute opening when the chute is placed in the first position and for automatically uncovering the opening when the chute is placed in the second position.

Abstract: A riding lawn mower is provided that has an engine, a device that requires control and a vacuum actuated control mechanism for controlling the device. The vacuum actuated control mechanism includes a vacuum actuator having first and second chambers separated by a movable membrane, first connecting means for operatively connecting the vacuum actuator to the device, vacuum means for providing a vacuum to the vacuum actuator, activating means for selectively activating the vacuum actuator and securing means for securing the vacuum actuator in place. The securing means also secures the device in place.

Abstract: An adjustable axle assembly is provided for use on a mower. The assembly includes an arcuate shaped axle member that can be connected to the frame of a mower. The axle member has first and second ends with a cylindrically shaped first castor pivot member connected to the first end and a cylindrically shaped second castor pivot member connected to the second end. The first castor pivot member has first and second ends with first and second castor openings respectively formed therein. The first and second castor openings are differently sized to receive differently sized castor wheels. The second castor pivot member has first and second ends with third and fourth castor openings respectively formed therein. The third and fourth castor openings are differently sized to receive differently sized castor wheels. A bushing and a rod connect the axle to the frame while allowing the axle to articulate and pivot with respect to the frame.

Abstract: A dynamic drive and brake system is provided. To accelerate the mower in a forward direction, the operator depresses the acceleration pedal, overcoming the biasing force of the acceleration spring. This causes the double idler pulley system to pivot from an inoperative or de-lutched condition to an operative condition. The farther the accelerator pedal is depressed, the more the double idler pulley system pivots and, correspondingly, the more tension is applied to the first belt. The increased tension in the first belt causes the middle pulley member to move in a downward direction and therefore decreases the diameter of the first belt about the double pulley shaft. The movement of the middle pulley member simultaneously increases the diameter of the second belt about the double pulley shaft. This increases the tension in the second belt which tension is absorbed by the idler spring that permits the idler pulley to pivot in a clockwise direction.

Abstract: An electric switch operating mechanism is disclosed utilizing a rotating bail and a secondary inward moving interlock, wherein a single multiple function spring rotatively biases the moving bail into an inactive position, biasing the interlock into a non-engaged outward position and in addition operates the switch.

Abstract: A water driven impulse turbine has a barrel rotatably mounted upon an axle, with a plurality of runner blades extending tangentially from the barrel. Side plates secure the runner blades on opposite sides thereof. A breastplate is maintained in concentric juxtaposition with the wheel so defined. A penstock is interposed between a water source and the breastplate to pass water into the runner blades. The turbine may consist of a plurality of axially interconnected wheel sections of similar or dissimilar nature to optimize performance.

Abstract: A mower having a cruise control system is provided. The mower includes a frame, a plurality of wheels including at least a first drive wheel operatively supported by the frame, an engine operatively mounted to the frame, a mower deck operatively connected to the frame, and a drive system for use in transferring power from the engine to the at least first drive wheel. The drive system includes an accelerator pedal fixedly connected to an accelerator rod. The cruise control system mechanically locks the accelerator pedal and accelerator rod in place. This permits the operator to release all pressure from the accelerator pedal (resting the foot of the operator) while maintaining the accelerator pedal in any predetermined position.

Abstract: A power assist steering system is provided for use on a vehicle that has a steering implement and a steering mechanism operatively connected to a first wheel. The power assist steering system includes first and second vacuum actuators or a double acting vacuum actuator, vacuum source for providing a vacuum to the first and second vacuum actuators, a first disc powered relative to second disc for selectively activating the first and second vacuum actuators and a gear and gen plate for assisting the steering mechanism in turning the first wheel in first and second directions.

Abstract: A device for retaining articles, such as hosiery, is disclosed. A method of retaining the articles using the device is also disclosed. The device generally comprises a first member and retaining means. The article to be retained upon the device is positioned upon the first member, such as by being wound around it.