Abstract: Steering and roll control systems to counteract yaw and/or roll forces during operation of a vehicle having first and second wheeled members coupled together by an articulating joint mechanism that is configured to pivot in a yaw direction and/or a roll direction. The steering assistance systems include a biasing unit configured to apply a counteracting force to bias the first and second wheeled members toward a straight-line arrangement thereof. The roll control systems include an additional biasing unit configured to apply a counteracting force to bias the first and second wheeled members toward a level alignment arrangement of the vehicle.

Abstract: An agitation unit for use in a lawn spreader and other dispensing equipment, and oscillating agitation systems therefor comprising such an agitation unit. The agitation unit includes a hub, an arm extending from the hub, and an extension on the arm configured to project downwardly to an extent relative to the arm and the hub to protrude into, but not through, the outlet passageway of the hopper.

Abstract: An agitation unit for use in a lawn spreader and other dispensing equipment, and oscillating agitation systems therefor comprising such an agitation unit. The agitation unit includes a hub, an arm extending from the hub, and an extension on the arm configured to project downwardly to an extent relative to the arm and the hub to protrude into, but not through, the outlet passageway of the hopper.

Abstract: An agitation unit for use in a lawn spreader and other dispensing equipment, and oscillating agitation systems therefor comprising such an agitation unit. The agitation unit includes a hub, an arm extending from the hub, and an extension on the arm configured to project downwardly to an extent relative to the arm and the hub to protrude into, but not through, the outlet passageway of the hopper.

Abstract: Steering and roll control systems to counteract yaw and/or roll forces during operation of a vehicle having first and second wheeled members coupled together by an articulating joint mechanism that is configured to pivot in a yaw direction and/or a roll direction. The steering assistance systems include a biasing unit configured to apply a counteracting force to bias the first and second wheeled members toward a straight-line arrangement thereof. The roll control systems include an additional biasing unit configured to apply a counteracting force to bias the first and second wheeled members toward a level alignment arrangement of the vehicle.

Abstract: An agitation unit for use in a lawn spreader and other dispensing equipment, and oscillating agitation systems therefor comprising such an agitation unit. The agitation unit includes a hub, an arm extending from the hub, and an extension on the arm configured to project downwardly to an extent relative to the arm and the hub to protrude into, but not through, the outlet passageway of the hopper.

Abstract: A drive-steering control system suitable for off-road land and amphibious vehicles. The system includes first and second steering input levers, each operable to rotate in forward and rearward pivotal directions. A coupling mechanism converts and transmits rotation of the first steering input lever in the forward pivotal direction into rotation of the second steering input lever in the rearward pivotal direction, and vice-versa. A reducing mechanism operates to selectively reduce the propulsion outputs of first and second propulsion devices, and a converting mechanism operates to convert the rotations of the steering input levers into inputs to the reducing mechanism. Depending on the directions the steering input levers are rotated, the reducing mechanism reduces the propulsion output of either the first or second propulsion device, which causes either the lefthand or righthand side of the vehicle to travel at a lower speed and thereby turn the vehicle either left or right.

Abstract: A drive-steering control system suitable for off-road land and amphibious vehicles. The system includes first and second steering input levers, each operable to rotate in forward and rearward pivotal directions. A coupling mechanism converts and transmits rotation of the first steering input lever in the forward pivotal direction into rotation of the second steering input lever in the rearward pivotal direction, and vice-versa. A reducing mechanism operates to selectively reduce the propulsion outputs of first and second propulsion devices, and a converting mechanism operates to convert the rotations of the steering input levers into inputs to the reducing mechanism. Depending on the directions the steering input levers are rotated, the reducing mechanism reduces the propulsion output of either the first or second propulsion device, which causes either the lefthand or righthand side of the vehicle to travel at a lower speed and thereby turn the vehicle either left or right.

Abstract: A self-propelled sulky for attachment to existing non-self-propelled equipment,thereby enabling the equipment to be converted into a self-propelled equipment with a modular propulsion system. The sulky includes a frame, a motor mounted to the frame, wheels rotatably mounted to the frame, a device for transferring power from the motor to at least one of the wheels, a device for controlling the power transferring device and thereby the ground speed and direction of the sulky, a device for connecting the sulky to a rearward end of the non-self-propelled equipment to enable pushing of the non-self-propelled equipment with the sulky, and a support structure on the frame for supporting an operator in a standing position. The support structure is located and configured on the frame to enable the operator to selectively step onto the support structure to ride the sulky and step off the support structure to walk behind the sulky.

Abstract: A self-propelled sulky for attachment to existing non-self-propelled equipment, thereby enabling the equipment to be converted into a self-propelled equipment with a modular propulsion system. The sulky includes a frame, a motor mounted to the frame, wheels rotatably mounted to the frame, a device for transferring power from the motor to at least one of the wheels, a device for controlling the power transferring device and thereby the ground speed and direction of the sulky, a device for connecting the sulky to a rearward end of the non-self-propelled equipment to enable pushing of the non-self-propelled equipment with the sulky, and a support structure on the frame for supporting an operator in a standing position.

Abstract: A lawn aerator sulky adapted for attachment to a selflawn vehicle, such as a walk-behind mower or fertilizer spreader. The sulky includes a frame supported with wheels, a first platform on which an operator can stand and ride while not aerating, and a second platform carrying one or more aerator tine assemblies on its underside. The second platform and tine assemblies are moveable by the operator selectively transferring his/her weight to position the tine assemblies in a ground-engaged or ground-disengaged position. The sulky includes a device to support the second platform and its tine assemblies in the disengaged position when the operator steps off the platform, and a latching device to hold the second platform and its tine assemblies in the engaged position when the operator steps off the second platform.

Abstract: A self-propelled lawn and garden spreader that can be used to apply granular and/or liquid materials to both wide and narrow areas at a constant rate of application per unit area at different ground speeds, such as at a relatively high speed when the operator of the spreader is riding on the spreader, and at a relatively low speed when the operator is walking behind the spreader. The spreader generally includes a frame on which a suitable motor is mounted, wheels mounted to the frame with at least one of the wheels being driven by the motor, and a unit for controlling the ground speed of the spreader, including at least two forward speeds. The spreader further includes a material storage compartment mounted to the frame for containing a material. The material storage compartment has an outlet through which the material exits the material storage compartment and is delivered to a dispenser unit that broadcasts the material outwardly, including away from the sides of the frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for spreading on the ground granular and liquid treatment materials at the selection of the operator. The apparatus includes a motorized cart having granular and liquid storage compartments and associated controls to release the treatment materials on an as needed basis. A spray wand is also provided to permit spraying the liquid material for detail applications. A pump is operably connected to the liquid storage compartment, the spray wand, and one or more area spray nozzles to provide the liquid for spraying purposes. The granular material can be radially broadcast from the granular storage compartment as the cart traverses the ground. Controls for the motor and the granular and liquid treatment operation are mounted to the apparatus for easy access by the operator. The present invention also provides a retrofit package for inclusion on available granular spreaders to provide the motorized granular and liquid treatment apparatus disclosed herein.