Abstract: Foot operated control linkages overlie the conventional control lever operating system on a spin turn mower to operate the mower in either forward or reverse directions. Each control linkage uses a foot pedal to control the speed of the mower while the control levers remain operable, even while the mower is moving, to change the forward or reverse direction of travel of the mower. The forward control linkage includes a first set of springs that pull the control levers against a stop while a second control spring prevents the first springs from moving the mower until the foot pedal is depressed. Thus, when the foot pedal is allowed to return to a non-depressed position, the mower will revert to a neutral detent position in which the mower is not powered in any direction.

Abstract: Foot operated control linkages overlie the conventional control lever operating system on a spin turn mower to operate the mower in either forward or reverse directions. Each control linkage uses a foot pedal to control the speed of the mower while the control levers remain operable, even while the mower is moving, to change the forward or reverse direction of travel of the mower. The forward control linkage includes a first set of springs that pull the control levers against a stop while a second control spring prevents the first springs from moving the mower until the foot pedal is depressed. Thus, when the foot pedal is allowed to return to a non-depressed position, the mower will revert to a neutral detent position in which the mower is not powered in any direction.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a bucket loader allows a single linear actuator to provide multiple operative functions for the bucket loader. A selector link is pivotally mounted on the back plate of loader bucket to selectively connect the back plate to the base portion of the linear actuator so that the extendable portion powers a pivoting of the bucket shell to dump material from the bucket, or connect the back plate to the extendable portion of the linear actuator to power the vertical movement of the back plate. A chain interconnects the extendable portion of the linear actuator and the pivotable bucket shell to power the pivoting of the bucket shell when the selector link is connected to the base portion. The bucket shell can be mechanically locked into an open position to allow the back plate to be utilized as a push blade.

Abstract: An attachment for the mower deck of a mower for striping the cut grass, and the method of use thereof. The attachment is a brush adjustably affixed to the rear of the mower deck, behind the cutting blades, and extending perpendicularly across the path of the mower. The brush is adjusted up and down to vary the amount of interference with the cut grass. As the brush is pulled across the lawn behind the cutting blades, it contacts the cut grass blades and bends them over in the direction of travel.

Abstract: An attachment for the mower deck of a mower for striping the cut grass is disclosed, and the method of use thereof. The attachment is a brush adjustably affixed to the rear of the mower deck, behind the cutting blades, and extending perpendicularly across the path of the mower. The brush is adjusted up and down to vary the amount of contact with the cut grass. As the brush is pulled across the lawn behind the cutting blades, it contacts the cut grass blades and bends them over in the direction of travel.

Abstract: A bag opener for tearing a hole in a bag of plastic or other perforable material where a pair of fingers next to each other are moved together in one direction to puncture the bag and then in transverse directions respectively away from each other to provide a tearing action on the bag.

Abstract: A device for loading waste material into a refuse collection vehicle including a trough attached to a rear end of the vehicle. An inclined conveyor, having a lower end and an upper end, is disposed in the trough. An anchor is disposed at the lower end of the conveyor for holding a plastic bag containing waste material. The conveyor has slats with teeth for tearing open the plastic bag so that the waste material is emptied from the bag and then carried by the conveyor to the rear end of the vehicle. A hydraulic motor drives the conveyor, and a control bar is provided to activate and deactivate the hydraulic motor. A latch bar latches the control bar in a nondriving position wherein the hydraulic motor is deactivated.

Abstract: A material debagging apparatus includes a receptacle movable between upright loading and inverted dumping positions. The receptacle defines a bagged material holding chamber with a closed bottom and an open top. A rupturing mechanism in the form of a pair of generally parallel drums having circumferential rows of teeth thereon is carried on the receptacle adjacent the closed bottom of the chamber. The rupturing mechanism is operable for rupturing a bag at least partially filled with material and disposed in the chamber with the bottom of the bag overlying the rupturing mechanism. A drive mechanism is coupled to the drums of the rupturing mechanism for transmitting rotary power thereto to cause counterrotation of the drums. A clamping device normally disposed in a clamping condition is mounted on the receptacle adjacent the open top of the chamber.