Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner with a cyclonic airflow path includes a floor-engaging base unit, a body unit pivotally mounted to the base unit and a motor/fan assembly mounted on one of the base unit or body units. A dirt collecting enclosure is also mounted on the body unit and includes a first large chamber and a second smaller chamber. A filter unit is disposed in the first large chamber. Dirt laden air is introduced into the first large chamber in a tangential manner so as to impart a cyclonic action to the airflow. The filter in the first large chamber is effective for removing larger particles of debris from the airflow. The remaining airflow is communicated to the second chamber where smaller particles of debris are removed. Airflow from the second smaller chamber is then communicated through a cyclonic chamber disposed above and transverse to the dirt collecting enclosure, to a third chamber where a second filter is disposed.

Abstract: A system for adapting the intake configuration of a central vacuum cleaning system is disclosed. The canister of the central vacuum cleaning system is provided with at least two vacuum intake openings from which an installer can choose to insert an intake coupler and at least one intake closure or cap of the present invention. Insertion and attachment of the intake coupler and the cap(s) is achieved by use of a novel twist-to-lock interface provided between the vacuum intake openings and the coupler and cap(s). Attachment of the coupler and the cap(s) is accomplished easily and quickly by hand and without the need for glue, clamps, tools, or any other equipment.

Abstract: Adaptive defrost control and method for a household refrigerator wherein a defrost heater is prevented from being powered as long as a compressor is running. The adaptive defrost control also provides a vacation mode in which the defrost interval is set to an artificially long interval if a door of refrigerator has not been opened for some predetermined period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the vibration in the seat of a riding mower. The apparatus reduces the amount of vibration transferred from a mower frame to the seat. The device includes a mower frame, bracket, seat frame and isolators. Isolators separate the mower frame from the mower seat. Additionally, the bracket secures the mower seat to the mower frame in a manner such that the vertical components of vibration in the mower frame are not transmitted through the bracket.

Abstract: An apparatus and an associated method are utilized to make a rotor core. The apparatus includes a support for supporting a lamina stack that has an axis extending along the stack. The apparatus includes a plurality of collets. A collet moving mechanism moves the collets radially inward against the lamina stack. An arrangement receives casting material that is cast to the lamina stack while the collets are against the lamina stack.

Abstract: A clutch including a pawl having a base portion and an arm portion extending from the base portion; a drive disk adapted to be engaged by the pawl; a friction seal adapted to receive the drive disk; a drive retainer adapted to receive the pawl and a biasing spring that is engaged with the pawl and the drive retainer; and a pinion wheel having a plurality of teeth, wherein said pinion wheel is adapted to receive the drive retainer. The teeth of the pinion wheel operatively mesh with similarly designed teeth on a traction drive wheel which is also included in the traction drive wheel assembly. The clutch operates without the need for manual de-clutching and further without the need for the existence of frictional differentials between clutch members, induced through axial pressing together of clutch components by a thrust spring and through different sizes of frictional contact areas.

Abstract: An interlock system for use with a cutting assembly of a lawn tractor. The interlock system automatically disengages the cutting assembly when the lawn tractor is shifted into a reverse mode and prevents re-engagement of the cutter assembly when the law tractor is subsequently shifted into a non-reverse mode.

Abstract: A bagless vacuum cleaner system dustcup assembly and method for using said system with a vacuum cleaner apparatus to separate dirt from a mixture of dirt and air inducted into said vacuum cleaner apparatus. Said bagless vacuum cleaner system generally comprises a dustcup assembly, a handle assembly and a motor intake adaptor.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a thermal cutoff assembly. The assembly includes a temperature sensor disposed proximate to a motor of the vacuum cleaner. When the temperature sensor reaches a predetermined temperature, a switching element in the assembly disconnects power shutting off the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner cannot be restarted until its power source has been manually disconnected and reconnected.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cylinder head and crankcase for a small engine. A crankcase and a cylinder head are cast to close tolerances and include as-cast mounting flanges, which are assembled in face-to-face contact by employing self-threading screws. Bearing recesses are cast into the crankcase. The cylindrical sidewalls of the bearing recesses are provided with as-cast flutes and roller bearings are press-fitted into the bearing recesses.

Abstract: Adaptive defrost control and method for a household refrigerator wherein a defrost interval is adjusted based upon the time it takes for a previous defrost cycle to complete. The adaptive defrost control also provides a vacation mode in which the defrost interval is set to an artificially long interval if a door of refrigerator has not been opened for some predetermined period of time. Further a defrost termination thermostat is provided that is stable during power interruption. The termination thermostat is used as a memory device to determine whether a defrost cycle was in process when power was interrupted.

Abstract: Method for controlling a defrost cycle in a freezer so the defrost cycle begins at the end of a compressor operation. For the defrost cycle to begin, the compressor must have been operating for a minimum duration or the compressor must operate for a period which is a certain minimum percentage of a previous compressor operating time.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting a deck of a vehicle, such as a lawn mower, by a foot actuated deck lift mechanism. The device includes a lift lever pivotally coupled to a frame and having a pin movably attached thereto. A lift linkage has a first end pivotally coupled to the lift lever and a second end fixedly secured on a front shaft. A connecting linkage pivotally couples the front shaft to a rear shaft. Both the front and rear shafts are rotatably coupled to the frame. The lift lever has a first end fixedly secured to the front shaft and a second free end for operation with the operator's foot. The deck is attached to the deck lift mechanism. A foot actuated deck lift mechanism, depressed by the operator's foot, and simultaneously causes the deck to rise and the lift lever to radially pivot. A pin attached to the lift lever rides atop adjustment plates. When the lift lever has pivoted a preset amount, an opening provided in the adjustment plates receives the pin.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed motor compressor comprising a housing enclosing a motor stator and rotor. A vertically oriented crankshaft is connected at one end to the rotor and has an offset crankshaft journal at its other end. An oil passage is provided in the journal and an oil pick-up tube has a first straight end projecting into an oil sump. The second straight end portion is axially aligned with the rotation axis of the crankshaft. A helically twisted insert is provided in the second straight end portion and the first and second portions are connected by an S-shaped intermediate portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unique and novel air filtrating, self-propelled upright vacuum cleaner. The filtration system utilizes a HEPA-rated air filter as a final filtering element. The disclosed vacuum cleaner contains numerous other features including a self-propelled drive mechanism.

Abstract: Adaptive defrost control and method for a household refrigerator wherein a defrost interval is adjusted based upon the time it takes for a previous defrost cycle to complete. The adaptive defrost control also provides a vacation mode in which the defrost interval is set to an artificially long interval if a door of refrigerator has not been opened for some predetermined period of time. Further a defrost termination thermostat is provided that is stable during power interruption. The termination thermostat is used as a memory device to determine whether a defrost cycle was in process when power was interrupted.

Abstract: A piston and split piston ring assembly having a piston ring locator to prevent substantial rotation of the piston ring in a ring groove. A notch is provided in a wall of the ring groove and an abutment pocket is formed by the ends of the split piston ring. The piston ring locator is a flattened wire clip within the groove between the piston ring and the wall of the groove. A segment of the clip is displaced into the notch and another segment is displaced into the pocket.

Abstract: A bagless vacuum cleaner system dustcup assembly and method for using said system with a vacuum cleaner apparatus to separate dirt from a mixture of dirt and air inducted into said vacuum cleaner apparatus. Said bagless vacuum cleaner system generally comprises a dustcup assembly, a handle assembly and a motor intake adaptor.