Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to assess light conditions at a location. The system can include a computer processor (CP) and a database. The database can store a grid map that includes a plurality of grid areas that segregate the location. The system can include a location sensor and a light sensor that generates sensor light. The CP can perform processing including: (1) determining that a sample event has been attained; (2) inputting sample data including location data and light data, (3) identifying, based on the location data, a grid area, of the plurality of grid areas, that corresponds to the location data; and (4) associating, based on the identifying, the sample with the grid area. The processing can further include (5) aggregating the sample with a previous sample that has been associated with the grid area; (6) generating a light value result based on the light level value and the previous light level value; and (7) applying the light value.

Abstract: A prescriptive lawncare apparatus, system, and method for fertilizing a property can include a user device that can determine or receive input related to a location of the property. The user device can access a database that includes regulations, such as government regulations, ordinances, bylaws, and the like related to authorized fertilizer products for a particular location. The user device and/or a server or controller can then compile and present to a user information related to authorized fertilizer products based on the regulations and location of the property. The user device can be associated with a lawncare machine or tool and can control the machine or tool to deploy or track application of fertilizer in a manner consistent with regulations.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a blade housing and a height adjusting mechanism for adjusting a height of the blade housing with respect to the associated ground. The height adjusting mechanism includes rear wheel support members for supporting rear drive wheels. Each rear drive wheel includes a cover having an exterior cover part and an interior cover part. The interior cover part is directly connected to one of the support members without the use of separate associated mechanical fasteners.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, a ride-on mower can include a main frame, a side member pivotally connected to the main frame, and a transaxle. The transaxle can include a pump portion that has a pump housing fixed on the main frame and a fluid displacement structure located in the pump housing. The transaxle can further include a motor portion including a motor housing and a fluid driven structure located in the motor housing. The motor housing can be separate from the pump housing, and the motor housing can be carried on and movable with the side member. Tubing can interconnect the pump portion and the motor portion.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a blade housing and a height adjusting mechanism for adjusting a height of the blade housing with respect to the associated ground. The height adjusting mechanism includes rear wheel support members for supporting rear drive wheels. Each rear drive wheel includes a cover having an exterior cover part and an interior cover part. The interior cover part is directly connected to one of the support members without the use of separate associated mechanical fasteners.

Abstract: A transmission includes an output shaft, a first gear rotatably mounted on the output shaft, a shuttle movably axially on the output shaft, and an engagement member fixedly mounted on the output shaft. The first gear includes first dog teeth. The shuttle includes second dog teeth which engage the first dog teeth. In a drive condition, the engagement member axially moves the shuttle into engagement with the first gear, first surfaces of the first and second dog teeth engage, and, as a result, the first gear rotates in together with the output shaft. In a freewheeling condition the output shaft is stationary, an overdrive of the first gear results in engagement of second surfaces of the first and second dog teeth, and, as a result, the shuttle moves out of engagement with the first gear allowing for free rotation of the first gear about the output shaft.

Abstract: A transmission for a manually operated wheeled machine includes an output shaft having a close-ended axial channel. A drive gear mounted on the output shaft includes an engaging groove. A ratchet is received in the channel and is in engagement with the engaging groove. A holder mounted on the output shaft includes a relief that receives the ratchet. A friction member applies radial friction to the holder to temporarily prevent rotation of the holder with the output shaft in a drive condition of the machine moving the ratchet into engagement with the engaging groove, and in the drive condition the drive gear and holder rotate with the output shaft. In a freewheeling condition of the machine the output shaft is stationary, and an overdrive of the drive gear disengages the ratchet from the engaging groove allowing for free rotation of the drive gear about the stationary output shaft.

Abstract: A transmission for a manually operated wheeled machine includes an output shaft having a close-ended axial channel. A drive gear mounted on the output shaft includes an engaging groove. A ratchet is received in the channel and is in engagement with the engaging groove. A holder mounted on the output shaft includes a relief that receives the ratchet. A friction member applies radial friction to the holder to temporarily prevent rotation of the holder with the output shaft in a drive condition of the machine moving the ratchet into engagement with the engaging groove, and in the drive condition the drive gear and holder rotate with the output shaft. In a freewheeling condition of the machine the output shaft is stationary, and an overdrive of the drive gear disengages the ratchet from the engaging groove allowing for free rotation of the drive gear about the stationary output shaft.

Abstract: A transmission includes an output shaft, a first gear rotatably mounted on the output shaft, a shuttle movably axially on the output shaft, and an engagement member fixedly mounted on the output shaft. The first gear includes first dog teeth. The shuttle includes second dog teeth which engage the first dog teeth. In a drive condition, the engagement member axially moves the shuttle into engagement with the first gear, first surfaces of the first and second dog teeth engage, and, as a result, the first gear rotates in together with the output shaft. In a freewheeling condition the output shaft is stationary, an overdrive of the first gear results in engagement of second surfaces of the first and second dog teeth, and, as a result, the shuttle moves out of engagement with the first gear allowing for free rotation of the first gear about the output shaft.

Abstract: Fastening method, assembly and structure of engine oil fill extension tube can include an oil fill extension tube and a self-locking washer. The oil fill extension tube can include a plurality of locking edges disposed towards a first distal end of the oil fill extension tube, where the plurality of locking edges can define boundaries of a plurality of slots. The self-locking washer can include a plurality of teeth disposed on its top surface. The self-locking washer can be oriented over an opening in the oil pan, after which the oil fill extension tube can be threaded into the opening. The plurality of slots and plurality of teeth can be ratcheted together to fasten the oil fill extension tube into the oil pan when the oil fill extension tube is rotated clockwise. The washer can further include a locking extension to securely engage a portion of the oil pan.

Abstract: Fastening method, assembly and structure of engine oil fill extension tube can include an oil fill extension tube and a self-locking washer. The oil fill extension tube can include a plurality of locking edges disposed towards a first distal end of the oil fill extension tube, where the plurality of locking edges can define boundaries of a plurality of slots. The self-locking washer can include a plurality of teeth disposed on its top surface. The self-locking washer can be oriented over an opening in the oil pan, after which the oil fill extension tube can be threaded into the opening. The plurality of slots and plurality of teeth can be ratcheted together to fasten the oil fill extension tube into the oil pan when the oil fill extension tube is rotated clockwise. The washer can further include a locking extension to securely engage a portion of the oil pan.

Abstract: Systems and methods for draining fuel from a carburetor of a combustion engine can include a first control valve in communication between a fuel source and a fuel chamber of a carburetor and a second control valve in communication between the fuel chamber of the carburetor and a drain reservoir. The first and second control valves can be coupled and operable such that, upon disengagement of the engine, the first control valve can be closed to block a supply of fuel to the fuel chamber, and the second control valve can be opened to connect the drain reservoir to the fuel chamber, which can operate to draw liquid fuel from the fuel chamber into the drain reservoir. The fuel can then be moved from the drain reservoir into a fuel storage tank, where it can be stored until needed by the carburetor.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to arrangements and uses for engine speed governors. In particular, an automatic idle system for a small engine can include an engine speed governor for connection to a small engine with a governor shaft rotatable in response to a speed of the engine. A governor linkage can include a first portion for connection to the governor shaft and a second portion for connection to a throttle control of the engine, the first portion being movably connected with or to the second portion. An actuator can be connected to the second portion of the governor linkage, the actuator being movable in response to a load on the engine to move the second portion relative to the first portion. In this configuration, when the engine is in a low-load state, the second portion can be moved relative to the first portion toward a throttle-closed position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for draining fuel from a carburetor of a combustion engine can include a first control valve in communication between a fuel source and a fuel chamber of a carburetor and a second control valve in communication between the fuel chamber of the carburetor and a drain reservoir. The first and second control valves can be coupled and operable such that, upon disengagement of the engine, the first control valve can be closed to block a supply of fuel to the fuel chamber, and the second control valve can be opened to connect the drain reservoir to the fuel chamber, which can operate to draw liquid fuel from the fuel chamber into the drain reservoir. The fuel can then be moved from the drain reservoir into a fuel storage tank, where it can be stored until needed by the carburetor.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for conductively connecting a voltage source ignition cable to a spark plug terminal. A spark plug boot assembly is provided and can include a body member, a coiled terminal, and a voltage source ignition cable. The coiled terminal can have a first end, a second end, and a middle portion and can include one or more coils that can extend to form an inner area with the coils having a varying inside diameter. The first end can be configured to receive a spark plug terminal. Also, the voltage source ignition cable can be configured to provide an additional electrical contact to the coiled terminal.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to arrangements and uses for engine speed governors. In particular, an automatic idle system for a small engine can include an engine speed governor for connection to a small engine with a governor shaft rotatable in response to a speed of the engine. A governor linkage can include a first portion for connection to the governor shaft and a second portion for connection to a throttle control of the engine, the first portion being movably connected with or to the second portion. An actuator can be connected to the second portion of the governor linkage, the actuator being movable in response to a load on the engine to move the second portion relative to the first portion. In this configuration, when the engine is in a low-load state, the second portion can be moved relative to the first portion toward a throttle-closed position.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for conductively connecting a voltage source ignition cable to a spark plug terminal. A spark plug boot assembly is provided and can include a body member, a coiled terminal, and a voltage source ignition cable. The coiled terminal can have a first end, a second end, and a middle portion and can include one or more coils that can extend to form an inner area with the coils having a varying inside diameter. The first end can be configured to receive a spark plug terminal. Also, the voltage source ignition cable can be configured to provide an additional electrical contact to the coiled terminal.