Abstract: The electrical system of an engine-powered outdoor machine is made more flexible in design with a virtual multi-pole switch comprising a microprocessor coupled to power-controlled devices of the electrical system, a single-pole switch coupled to an input of the microprocessor, and a program of the microprocessor simulating one or more interconnected multi-pole switches embodied in hardware and the wiring harness.

Abstract: A cord rewinder device stores and dispenses flexible cord and includes a base, a reel, a spring element and a brake mechanism. The reel is rotatably mounted to the base and is operative to rotate an axis of rotation in a first direction and second direction opposite the first direction. In the first direction, the flexible cord is wound about the reel for storage within the cord rewinder device. In the second direction, the flexible cord is dispensed from the cord rewinder device. The spring element is connected to and between the base and the reel and is operative to apply a winding force to the reel. The brake mechanism is mounted to the base and is operative to move to and between a reel engaged position and a reel disengaged position. In the reel engaged position, the brake mechanism contacts the reel preventing the rotation of the reel in the first direction while permitting rotation of the reel in the second direction.

Abstract: A battery connector connects two wires to a battery post. The battery connector includes two identically formed L-shaped conductors electrically insulated from one another by an insulator. Each of the conductors comprises a split ring portion for making good mechanical and electrical contact with a battery post and a crimping portion for electrically connecting a wire to the conductor. The conductors and insulator are assembled and held together by cooperating and mating components.

Abstract: A cord rewinder assembly for a wet filter type vacuum cleaner with a moist air discharge outlet includes a conventional cord rewinder and a deflector plate. The deflector plate not only shields the cord rewinder from direct contact with the moist airflow discharge but also functions to remove moisture from the airflow so that it can be utilized to cool the electrical components of the cord rewinder. Incoming air carrying dirt and dust is cleaned by passing the air stream through a canister of water and a series of secondary filters. The clean discharge air, which contains moisture and water vapor, impinges on the deflector plate and is redirected downwardly at a high velocity toward a cavity. The airflow enters the cavity at a lower velocity, passes beneath the deflector plate and reverses direction. The decrease in airflow velocity and the redirection of the airflow allows the moisture and water vapor to drop out of the airflow.

Abstract: A method and sensor for sensing the rate of rotation of a fan in order to monitor and detect a variation in the rate of air flowing through the fan, such as to indicate a restriction in the air flow path or failure of the fan. A Hall-effect transistor (HET) is placed in the fixed field of a magnet adjacent the path of a preferably ferrous moving element capable of changing the magnetic field coupled to the HET. As the ferrous element passes the magnet and HET, the strength or alignment of the field changes sufficiently to produce an output pulse from the HET. The pulse rate decreases with slowing of the fan such as may occur with a restriction or blockage in the air flow path.