Abstract: A small push-type lawn mower that can be converted into a stand-on riding mower. The mower includes a platform at the rear of the mower deck, and a handle assembly that can be pivoted forwardly making room for a user to step onto the platform. The handle assembly includes controls that drive electric motors that power the rear wheels allowing the user to ride the mower. The handle assembly can be pivoted rearwardly so that the user can access and grab the handle assembly and push the mower while walking behind.

Abstract: A lawn mower, wherein the cutter system of the lawn mower needs to judge whether the start pulse and the start signal of the cutter switch are valid at the same time under the condition that the seat switch is closed, and the cutter system will be started, only the two conditions are met at the same time, thus not only improving the safety when the cutter system is started, but also the startup of the cutter system can be completed automatically, saving time and labor, and reducing the operator's operation difficulty.

Abstract: A mower unit 3 includes a rotational shaft extending upwards through a top wall of a mower deck, a cutter blade attached to a lower portion of the rotational shaft, a mower motor 4 having a rotor 43 disposed upward and a coil 42 disposed downward along an axial direction of an output shaft 41, a mount deck 5 having a horizontal mounting face for mounting the mower motor 4 in such a manner that the output shaft 41 assumes a vertical posture, the mount deck protruding outwards from a side wall of the mower deck, and a cooling arrangement 50 incorporated in the mound deck 5 for discharging heat of the mower motor 4.

Abstract: An engine includes at least one piston, a rotatable crankshaft, a starter motor, a lithium-ion battery, and a charging system. The rotatable crankshaft is coupled to the at least one piston. The starter motor is configured to selectively initiate rotation of the crankshaft. The lithium-ion battery is in electrical communication with the starter motor and has at least one cell. The charging system is powered by motion of at least one component of the engine. The charging system provides energy to the lithium-ion battery to charge the lithium-ion battery. The engine has a starting condition, a running condition, and a stopping condition. The charging system continuously applies a voltage potential to the at least one cell while the engine is in a running condition.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an engine block, a blower housing configured to direct cooling air to the engine block, an electric starting system, and a crankshaft configured to rotate about a crankshaft axis. The electric starting system includes an electric motor and an energy storage device located within the blower housing. The energy storage device is electrically coupled to the electric motor to power the electric motor. When the starter motor is activated, the electric starting system rotates the crankshaft to rotate the engine for starting.

Abstract: A power generation system is provided including a power boost regulator operative to provide load matched voltage operation of an AC power source.

Abstract: A mower having a supplemental battery charging station mounted thereon is provided. The mower utilizes a flywheel/alternator arrangement to output a selected voltage. The voltage is directed to the supplement battery charging station. The supplemental batteries are thereby charged at the charging station as the mower is driven forward or in another direction. The lawn mower also includes a rack (which may be in the form of a hook) to carry a battery powered supplemental lawn maintenance tool, such as a weed trimmer, hedger, edger, or leaf blower, amongst others.

Abstract: A power generation system is provided including a power boost regulator operative to provide load matched voltage operation of an AC power source.

Abstract: A chair is disclosed herein of the kind that is shipped disassembled in a compact shipping package to be assembled by the end user without the use of tools. The chair has a pair of user actuated height and tilt control paddles by which the elevation of the seat and the tilt of the seat and back of the chair can be adjusted relative to the base which holds the seat above the ground. In one embodiment, the height and tilt control paddles are removably attached to the seat at respective paddle receivers connected to the bottom of the seat. In another embodiment, the height and tilt control paddles are removably received by respective paddle cavities formed in the arms of the chair. By removing the paddles from their paddle receivers or paddle cavities, the parts of the disassembled chair may be more efficiently packaged for shipment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lawn mower and more particularly to a system and method of charging a variety of batteries of the lawn mower including connecting the lawn mower to a towing vehicle, either directly or by placing the lawn mower on a trailer, towing the lawn mower, generating electricity upon towing the lawn mower utilizing a generator mechanically coupled to the lawn mower wheels or the wheels of the trailer. The generator converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy. The generator is electrically coupled to first type of battery and a second type of battery that is connected to the lawn mower and/or a first type of battery and a second type of battery that is connected to a charging station on the trailer. The system also includes a charging circuit for each of the first type of battery and the second type of battery.

Abstract: A lawn care device may include an engine to selectively power the lawn care device, a frame supporting the engine of the lawn care device, and an ignition interface having a processor therein to enable selective powering of the lawn care device based at least in part on operation of the ignition interface. The ignition interface may include a switch monitoring assembly configured to enable the processor to monitor status of a plurality of switches associated with respective components of the lawn care device. The switch monitoring assembly may be further configured to enable the processor to monitor opposing statuses (330, 332 or 324, 326) of at least one of the switches.

Abstract: A safety system for engine powered machinery having a fuel cut functionality to promote more rapid shutdown of the rotating parts of the engine powered machinery. In one aspect, the system is implemented as a wiring harness disposed exclusively on the engine which simultaneously disables one or more ignition coils and prevents a fuel-air mixer from supplying a mixture of air and fuel to the engine upon activation of a safety switch. In alternate aspects, the system further comprises a stator brake which is activated by the safety switch to provide additional braking torque on the engine. These features bring the machinery to a rapid halt, further enhancing safety.

Abstract: A chair is disclosed herein of the kind that is shipped disassembled in a compact shipping package to be assembled by the end user without the use of tools. The chair has a pair of user actuated height and tilt control paddles by which the elevation of the seat and the tilt of the seat and back of the chair can be adjusted relative to the base which holds the seat above the ground. In one embodiment, the height and tilt control paddles are removably attached to the seat at respective paddle receivers connected to the bottom of the seat. In another embodiment, the height and tilt control paddles are removably received by respective paddle cavities formed in the arms of the chair. By removing the paddles from their paddle receivers or paddle cavities, the parts of the disassembled chair may be more efficiently packaged for shipment.

Abstract: One object is to provide a fishing reel in which under a high load, a smooth rotation performance of the handle shaft and the pinion gear shaft can be maintained and the accuracy of the position to support the handle shaft and the pinion gear shaft can be ensured. The fishing reel of the present invention includes: a handle shaft rotatably provided on a frame; a drive gear provided on the handle shaft; a spool configured to be rotationally driven via a pinion gear meshing with the drive gear; a side plate fixed on the frame; and a support unit separate from the side plate, wherein the support unit includes a handle shaft support that supports a handle shaft, and a pinion gear shaft support that supports a pinion gear shaft of the pinion gear, and the support unit is removably fixed on the frame.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes an internal combustion engine, a rotary tool driven by the internal combustion engine, an electric motor coupled to the internal combustion engine and configured to start the internal combustion engine, a receiving port mounted to the internal combustion engine, an energy storage device configured to be selectively inserted into and removed from the receiving port without tools, a first user interface, and a second user interface, wherein the electric motor starts the internal combustion engine upon actuation of the first user interface and the second user interface.

Abstract: A voltage supply and drive system for a fire service vehicle or rescue vehicle or special utility vehicle has at least one drive source and having a plurality of voltage sources which are connected to one another by an electrical power system, and a control device. At least one of the voltage sources is formed by a battery, characterized in that the control device is designed to connect or disconnect one or more voltage sources and/or one or more drive sources taking into account at least one emission value of at least one of the voltage sources and/or at least one of the drive sources. As a result, the voltage and/or drive sources which are integrated into the voltage supply and drive system of the fire service vehicle and rescue vehicle or special utility vehicle can be operated, combined in such a way that an overall minimal emission value can be achieved.

Abstract: Outdoor power equipment includes an internal combustion engine including an electric motor, a battery receiving port, a rechargeable battery removably attached to the battery receiving port, wherein the rechargeable battery is configured to power the electric motor to start the engine, an implement driven by the internal combustion engine, a release mechanism movable to an engaged position to put the implement in a ready-to-run condition in which the implement is ready to be driven by the engine, a run sensor configured to detect the ready-to-run condition, a switch actuated by the release mechanism, and a control module coupled to the switch so that the switch provides a signal to the control module when the release mechanism is in the engaged position and the control module turns on the electric motor to start the engine in response to the signal from the switch and the run sensor detecting the ready-to-run condition.

Abstract: A mower spindle brake disengagement mechanism includes belt driven pulleys on spindles supported by a rotary mower deck, brakes adjacent the pulleys, each of the brakes on a pivot arm biased to a brake engaged position, and a plurality of Bowden cables, each Bowden cable connected between one of the pivot arms and a single lever that may be pivoted to retract the Bowden cables to move the brakes on the pivot arms to a brake disengaged position.

Abstract: A lock release apparatus has a handle and a cable. The handle has a gripping portion and a cable receiving portion. The cable, which is capable of a path of movement over the cable receiving portion, has a cable end which is retained within the handle through an opening of the cable receiving portion. The cable receiving portion includes at least one retention portion which is deflectable in response to compressive force and a blocking portion that blocks engagement of the cable with the at least one retention portion. In another aspect, the cable receiving portion includes at least one retention portion, without a blocking portion, where the at least one retention portion is located out of the path of movement of the cable with respect to the handle.

Abstract: A method for caring for a lawn and an apparatus for providing lawn care are provided. The method includes steps of powering an electrically powered lawn care device by a electric power source, wherein the electric power source is provided as part of an electrically powered transportation vehicle, and treating the lawn by using the electrically powered lawn care device. The apparatus includes: (a) a hybrid vehicle having an electric motor for driving the hybrid vehicle, and an electric power source for powering the electric motor; (b) a trailer constructed to attach to the hybrid vehicle so that the trailer can be pulled by the hybrid vehicle; and (c) electrically powered lawn care equipment constructed to fit within the trailer, and wherein the electric power source is constructed to power the electrically powered lawn care equipment.

Abstract: A lawn care device may include a cutting deck housing at least one blade, an engine configured to selectively provide for rotation of the at least one blade responsive to selective coupling of the rotary power of the engine to the at least one blade via a power takeoff (PTO) clutch, and a PTO switch that is operable in two directions to engage or disengage the PTO clutch based on which one of the two directions the PTO switch is moved by a user. The PTO switch may be biased to return to a neutral position after each operation thereof. The PTO switch may be configured to perform at least one additional operational function responsive to sequential operation of the PTO switch in at least one of the two directions.

Abstract: A cable retractor for releasing and retracting an application cable. a cable retractor comprises a base; a spool having sides, the spool rotatably secured to the base to permit the application cable to be wrapped around the spool; a mandrel disposed concentrically within the spool, the mandrel being rotationally secured to the base to prevent axial rotation of the mandrel relative to the base; and the mandrel further having a recessed groove running lengthwise, and an internal cable having an outer connector and inner connector, the outer connector being connected through the spool to one end of the application cable, and the inner connector being exposed at one end of the mandrel from within the recessed groove.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder, an exhaust, a fuel tank, an engine cover, a power take off configured to drive an implement, an electric starting system including a starter motor, a battery receiving port, and a rechargeable battery removably attached to the battery receiving port, and an electric start control module including a switch configured to be actuated by a release mechanism configured to put the implement in the ready-to-run condition and a controller coupled to the switch, wherein the switch is configured to provide a signal when the release mechanism is in the engaged position, wherein the controller is configured to receive the signal, wherein the controller it configured to turn on the starter motor to start the internal combustion engine upon receipt of the signal from the switch and an input from a run sensor confirming that the implement is in the ready-to-run condition, and wherein the rechargeable battery is configured to power the starter motor to start the engine.

Abstract: A slidable assembly for an electronic device includes a housing, a slidable button, and a stopper. The housing defines a receiving groove, a slot, and a plurality of ports. The slidable button is slidably received in the receiving groove, and includes a seal ring for sealing the plurality of ports. The stopper is attached to the slot of the housing for abutting one side of the slidable button and stopping the slidable button from sliding out of the receiving groove. The slidable button is slid in the receiving groove to expose or cover the plurality of ports.

Abstract: A lawnmower with operation protection and a safety switch mechanism. The safety switch mechanism include: an inner pipe and a pipe sleeve slidably connected with and enclosing the inner pipe, a safety switch with a contact tab mounted inside the pipe sleeve, a trigger configured to trigger the safety switch by contacting the contact tab when the inner pipe slides, and an elastomer configured to drive the trigger to keep from contacting with the contact tab. All of the safety switch, the trigger and the elastomer are arranged on the same side of the inner pipe. The safety switch mechanism functions to disable the motor upon accidental proximity of the operator to the cutter body to thereby lower the possibility of an accident.

Abstract: An electromotive drive device of an electric motor-driven mini-excavator, which is capable of lengthening its operating time, includes an electric power storage device, a motor-generator, a hydraulic pump, a plurality of directional control valves which respectively control the flow of pressurized fluid, and a plurality of operating devices which respectively operate the plurality of directional control valves. The electromotive drive device is provided with a bidirectional converter which decelerates the motor-generator to an idle revolution speed when X seconds have elapsed in a state in which the plurality of directional control valves are all not operated. The bidirectional converter performs regenerative control to convert an inertial force of a rotor of the motor-generator to power and charge the electric power storage device when it decelerates the motor-generator from a standard revolution speed to the idle revolution speed.

Abstract: A lawnmower includes a chassis; a seat supported on the chassis for permitting an operator to sit or stand on the chassis; a pair of drive wheels for supporting the chassis above a ground surface; an engine and a pair of transmissions for driving the drive wheels; and a pair of manually-moveable handle assemblies for controlling the transmissions. Each handle assembly includes a substantially vertically-extending control handle, wherein the control handles are mounted outboard of opposite sides of the seat so as not to block the operator's ingress or egress from the seat.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes an internal combustion engine, a rotary tool driven by the internal combustion engine, an electric motor coupled to the internal combustion engine and configured to start the internal combustion engine, a receiving port mounted to the internal combustion engine, an energy storage device configured to be selectively inserted into and removed from the receiving port without tools, a first user interface, and a second user interface, wherein the electric motor starts the internal combustion engine upon actuation of the first user interface and the second user interface.

Abstract: A walk-behind lawn mower comprising a body with an engine driving a cutting blade, and a handle assembly which is pivotably connected to the body. The lawn mower furthermore comprises a handle control arrangement for controlling pivotal movement of the handle assembly relative to the bod, between a working position and a pivoted position. The handle control arrangement comprises a locking member, selectively displaceable between an open state in which the locking member allows pivotal movement of the handle assembly from the working position to the pivoted position, and a locked state in which the locking member inhibits pivotal movement of the handle assembly from the working position to the pivoted position. The handle control arrangement also comprises an actuating member operatively connected to the locking member and controlling the state of the locking member.

Abstract: A lawnmower with operation protection and a safety switch mechanism. The safety switch mechanism include: an inner pipe and a pipe sleeve slidably connected with and enclosing the inner pipe, a safety switch with a contact tab mounted inside the pipe sleeve, a trigger configured to trigger the safety switch by contacting the contact tab when the inner pipe slides, and an elastomer configured to drive the trigger to keep from contacting with the contact tab. All of the safety switch, the trigger and the elastomer are arranged on the same side of the inner pipe. The safety switch mechanism functions to disable the motor upon accidental proximity of the operator to the cutter body to thereby lower the possibility of an accident.

Abstract: A lawncare apparatus includes a main body, multiple wheels supporting the main body, a cutting blade disposed in the main body, a motor driving the cutting blade, and an operating arm connected to the first end of the main body. The distance in the horizontal direction between the axial central line of the cylindrical gripping portion of the operating arm and the axes of the elongated handle of the main body along the length direction is less than 5 cm. Because of the structure mate relationship between the operating arm and the cylindrical gripping portion, the operator feels more comfortable during the transporting process, the volume of lawncare apparatus during transporting is reduced and the convenience of transporting is improved.

Abstract: A harvesting head (104) with conveyor drive system comprising a frame (106), on which are mounted a first conveyor deck (108) and a second conveyor deck (110) includes a plurality of hydraulic fluid flow control elements that are configured to reduce hydraulic fluid flow through at least one conveyor belt drive motor (124, 130) while shifting at least one conveyor deck (108, 110).

Abstract: An isolator switch assembly, especially an isolator switch and key assembly for a powered apparatus, such as a lawncare product, for example a lawnmower, includes a key, a keyway and an electrical switch positioned adjacent the keyway. The assembly is arranged to provide a first configuration in which the key is insertable into and removable from the keyway and the switch is open and a second configuration in which the key bears against an actuator surface of the switch to close the switch. In one embodiment, the assembly is arranged to provide a third configuration in which the switch is not actuated and the key is not removable from the keyway and is biased into a predetermined rotational position intermediate the first and second configurations. In a further embodiment, the assembly is provided with an over-torque or over-rotation prevention means.

Abstract: A dual steering system for zero turning radius lawn mowers is provided which enables those without effective use of their arms to drive and steer such lawn mowers. The system hereof may include respective left and right control pedals which are shiftably mounted to respective pedal supports coupled to the mower for use by the operator's legs, and respective linkages which operatively connect the pedals to left and right control levers operatively connected to the mower's drive wheels for causing the drive wheels to move in forward or rearward drive directions. By operating the control pedals alone or in combination with the control levers, the operator may move the zero turning radius mower forward, rearward, or steer it in a desired manner.

Abstract: A riding mower includes two (left and right) mower blades, a mower deck, and two motors for rotating the mower blades. The mower blades are provided adjacent to each other, and one of the two mower blades is disposed obliquely in front of the other mower blade. In a plan view, the left mower blade is rotated clockwise and the right mower blade is rotated counterclockwise. A combined air flow is generated in the mower deck, and mowed grass is discharged to the outside of the mower deck together with the combined air flow. The rotational speed of the forward mower blade is set higher than the rearward mower blade. The speed of the air flow generated by the forward mower blade is higher than the rearward mower blade. The combined air flow is generated and the mowed grass is discharged rearward of the mower deck.

Abstract: A cordless mower includes a deck, a rechargeable battery, a blade for cutting grass, a blade motor and a drive motor. The deck is supported by front and rear wheels and has a top side, a bottom side, a front end and a rear end. The rechargeable battery is supported on the deck. The blade is on the bottom side of the deck and is coupled with a blade motor. The drive motor is connected to the rear wheels for driving said rear wheels to move the mower. The drive motor is located in a chamber at the rear of the mower adjacent the rear wheels. The chamber has an opening therein to allow air to flow through.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling driving means which are designed to steer and move a robot vehicle (3) that is designed as a lawn mowing vehicle. The driving means are controlled so that the robot vehicle (3) travels through several sections (2) of a working area (8) in a specific movement pattern according to a section travel strategy with the help of dead reckoning such that two adjoining course sections (5) overlap with a predefined probability transversely to the direction of travel of the robot vehicle (3).

Abstract: An electric lawn mower may include a switch assembly including a first switch, a second switch and a main switch. When the main switch is turned on an electric motor is started. The first and second switch may include first and second actuators, respectively. When the switch assembly is operated according to a proper operation sequence, the first actuator and the second actuator may interact with each other to activate the main switch, and when the switch is operated according to an improper operation sequence, the first actuator and the second actuator may not interact with each other, so that the main switch is not activated.

Abstract: An electric lawn mower may include a mower body including an electric motor, a cutting blade rotatably driven by the electric motor for mowing a lawn, a battery mount configured to hold a battery, and a lock including a key and a key receiver for locking and unlocking the electric motor. The key receiver may be spaced from the battery mount and when the key is inserted into the key receiver, the electric motor may be unlocked for operation.

Abstract: An electric power tool is provided that includes a motor as a driving source, a first operation switch, a first semiconductor switch, and a second semiconductor switch. The first operation switch is operated by a user to be turned ON/OFF. The first semiconductor switch, provided on a current path from the power source to the motor, includes at least one semiconductor switching device. When the first operation switch is OFF, the first semiconductor switch is turned OFF to interrupt the current path. When the first operation switch is ON, the first semiconductor switch is turned ON to close the current path. The second semiconductor switch is provided on the current path in series with the first semiconductor switch and includes at least one semiconductor switching device. The second semiconductor switch closes/interrupts the current path by being turned ON/OFF in accordance with an input control signal.

Abstract: The present subject matter discloses devices and methods for controlling the operation of a lawnmower or other walk-behind power machines without the use of a bail or operator presence control. A control device for a walk-behind machine can include a handle for a walk-behind machine, a sliding cam movable within the handle, a cable connected to the sliding cam and to a machine control component of the walk-behind machine, and an actuator movably attached to the handle. Movement of the actuator against a cam surface of the sliding cam can move the sliding cam within the handle to move the cable and operate the machine control component.

Abstract: An electric outdoor power machine includes a machine body supported by wheels and having an output member driven by a motor. The motor is powered by a source of electrical power such as a battery. An upright assembly extends from the machine body and has a gripping handle. A manual input member such as a bail handle is mounted adjacent to the gripping handle and is movable relative to the gripping handle between a deactivated position and an activated position. A control assembly that selectively communicates electric power to the output member includes a button supported by a housing on the upright assembly. The button is movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position. A button crank is coupled to the button and has an interface portion.

Abstract: A method for dividing a field into zones with similar crop attributes and developing a mission plan for steering the harvester to selectively harvest crops based on one or more of the attributes. The attributes include protein level, starch level, oil level, sugar content, moisture level, digestible nutrient level, or any other crop characteristic of interest. The method can be applied to selectively harvest and/or segregate according to attribute any crop, including grains such as wheat, corn, or beans, fruits such as grapes, and forage crops. Directed crop sampling provides absolute value and variance information for segregated batches of harvested crop.

Abstract: A modular vehicle system comprises an engine unit and an engine management controller associated with the engine unit. A throttle actuator is associated with the engine management controller to control a throttle setting of an engine unit. A mower unit is associated with mower electronics. A blade clutch actuator activates or deactivates a cutting blade of the mower unit. A transmission line supports communications between the engine management controller and the mower electronics to support remote control mowing or unmanned mowing activities.

Abstract: A work implement in the nature of a drive for a tool includes a starting and/or switching-off braking device for the tool. A brake button is provided which can be externally actuated by a user, with which a starting and/or switching-off brake can be released. A device is also provided which can change the rotational speed of the drive, the device having a throttle button capable of being actuated by the user from outside. The brake button and the throttle button are arranged on a handle so that they can be contacted simultaneously by the hand of a user, where the throttle button can be actuated when the starting and/or switching-off brake is applied.

Abstract: A non-contact neutral sensing apparatus with directional feedback in a vehicle directional control system for an agricultural or construction vehicle.

Abstract: A lawn mower, which is driven by an electric motor or an internal combustion engine, has an operation handle 80, which is formed by connecting through a grip part 82 rear ends of left and right long handgrips 81L, 81R extending rearward from the body of the lawn mower supported by wheels 6 and 7. A first operation member 84 is provided near a central portion of the grip part 82 of the operation handle 80, and a second operation member 85 is swingably supported by the operation handle 80. The second operation member 85 is arranged on the front side of the grip part 82 so as to freely move to and from the grip part 82. The lawn mower is driven by sequential operation of the first and second operation members 84, 85. Thus it is possible to constantly keep the lawn mower stable, enabling easy and quick operation, and improving operability.

Abstract: A walk-behind lawn mower in a form that a handle arm is integrally provided toward an obliquely upper back in a rear of a machine, and a loop handle is provided at a rear end of the relevant handle arm with slightly tilting forward, and a driver performs drive operation while walking following the machine that travels by itself at a back of the machine, includes a throttle lever, the throttle lever being able to be drawn together with the handle by being operated by either of right and left hands grasping the handle, in addition, engine rotation frequency being able to be controlled using the amount of drawing, wherein the throttle lever is rotatably provided on the handle arm in an obliquely lower front or obliquely upper back of the handle.

Abstract: A powered appliance includes a working member, a handle operably coupled to the working member and a control movable between a first position proximate the handle in which movement of the working member is permitted and a second position distant the handle in which movement of the working member is at least reduced. One of the handle and the control is configured to at least partially receive the other of the handle and the control when in the first position. At least one of the handle and the control includes a flexible member adjacent the other of the handle and the control.

Abstract: A modular vehicle system comprises an engine unit and an engine management controller associated with the engine unit. A throttle actuator is associated with the engine management controller to control a throttle setting of an engine unit. A mower unit is associated with mower electronics. A blade clutch actuator activates or deactivates a cutting blade of the mower unit. A transmission line supports communications between the engine management controller and the mower electronics to support remote control mowing or unmanned mowing activities.