Abstract: A material-conveying system has a material-conveying apparatus for conveying material, an electronic control unit, a user interface control panel mounted to the apparatus and interfaced with the electronic control unit to receive user input commands to control the apparatus, a power unit mechanically coupled to the apparatus for powering the apparatus, a data bus communicatively connected between the power unit and the control unit, a portable remote control device for wirelessly transmitting command signals for remotely controlling a power output of the power unit to the apparatus, a wireless receiver at the apparatus for receiving the command signals from the portable remote control device and for transmitting the command signals to the electronic control unit that controls the power output of the power unit. The portable remote control device is also configured to wirelessly transmit a control signal to a gate controller of a material-unloading gate of a material container.

Abstract: A row unit for a header of an agricultural harvester is provided that includes a first longitudinally extending stripping plate and a second longitudinally extending stripping plate each mounted on a frame and each having opposed stripping edges which define a gap between the first stripping plate and the second stripping plate. The row unit includes both operator-selected macro adjustment of the gap and automatic micro adjustment of the gap. The micro adjustment occurs on both deck plates. The micro adjustment is achieved through resilient members positioned functionally between the deck plates and the row unit frame.

Abstract: A corn harvesting header (24) includes a powered row unit (38) and a gathering hood (98). The row unit (38) defines a longitudinal crop row path that extends in a generally rearward crop travel direction and receives a corn row as the header (24) is advanced along the corn row. The gathering hood (98) partly overlies the row unit (38) and includes a laterally extending dam (132) that restricts corn from moving forwardly. The dam (132) at least partly defines a gutter to receive corn kernels and direct the corn kernels rearwardly.

Abstract: A compliant deck tension device, and a pair of proprietary deck plates enables a combine harvester to compensate for diameter variations in corn stalks as they are guided into the combine harvester.

Abstract: A corn head row unit gearbox includes an input shaft, that rotates about a first axis of rotation and that drives a set of bevel gears. The bevel gears transfer rotation of the input shaft into rotation of a set of gathering chain output shafts about a second axis of rotation, generally transverse to the first axis of rotation. The gathering chain drive shafts each rotate within a bushing mounted within a frame structure of the gearbox. The frame structure defines a bore that communicates with a bevel gear cavity, in which at least one of the sets of bevel gears rotates, and an interior of the bushings mounted on the gathering chain drive shafts. Rotation of the bevel gears carries lubricant to an inlet aperture on the bore and drives the lubricant through the bore into the bushings.

Abstract: A harvester header including a plurality of stripper devices for separating a corn ear or a seed head from a stalk. Each stripper device comprises a left deck plate, a right deck plate, a stalk puller, and at least two crop conveyors. The stalk puller is adapted to separate the corn ear or seed head from the stalk when the corn ear or seed head engages the left and right deck plates. Each of the crop conveyors of each stripper device is arranged between two adjacent stripper devices. The crop conveyors comprise a movable closed transport surface for conveying the separated corn ears or seed heads by moving the closed transport surface in a direction of conveyance which is parallel to the closed transport surface. The transport surfaces of the crop conveyors are arranged at a level below blocking surfaces of the deck plates adjacent to the crop conveyors.

Abstract: A row unit of an agricultural harvester is disclosed for the automatic adjustment of a gap size of the row unit stripping plates. The row unit includes first and second longitudinally extending stripping plates mounted on a frame and having opposed stripping edges which define a gap between them. The row unit further includes a gap adjustment mechanism for adjusting a size of the gap between the first and second stripping plates. The gap adjustment mechanism includes a control arm, a rocker assembly operatively connected to one of the first and second stripping plates and slidably connected to the control arm, and a biasing member for biasing the rocker assembly along the control arm toward a predetermined position corresponding to a predetermined gap size.

Abstract: A row unit for a header of an agricultural harvester is provided that includes a first longitudinally extending stripping plate and a second longitudinally extending stripping plate each mounted on a frame and each having opposed stripping edges which define a gap between the first stripping plate and the second stripping plate. The row unit includes a gap adjustment mechanism for adjusting a size of the gap that includes first and second linkage assemblies. Each of the two linkage assemblies have an elongated linkage extending substantially parallel to the respective longitudinally extending stripping plate, and a connection mechanism connecting the elongated linkage to the longitudinally extending stripping plate. The row unit further includes a control arm connected to the first and second linkage assemblies for moving the first and second linkage assemblies between first and second positions.

Abstract: A corn head assembly for a combine harvester capable of preventing or inhibiting grain from sliding off a row unit without inhibiting crop flow is disclosed. The corn head assembly is attached to a combine harvester for harvesting crop material. The corn head assembly includes a frame, a conveyor and a plurality of row units. Each row unit includes a catch plate for facingly engaging a flow of crop material and includes a facing surface having a nonplanar geometry. The nonplanar geometry is at least one of corrugations, scales, waves, chevron-shaped corrugations, weld beads, rods, and terraces.

Abstract: One embodiment of a narrow row head unit may include a back plate secured to a left gearbox and a right gearbox, which gearboxes may be positioned adjacent one another. Each gearbox may provide rotational power to a pair of stalk rolls and a drive sprocket for a gathering chain. A right mounting tab may be secured to the back plate and the right gearbox, and a left mounting tab may be secured to the back plate and left gearbox. A right plate and leg may extend outward from the back plate adjacent the right mounting tab and a left plate and leg may extend outward from the back plate adjacent the left mounting tab. A narrow row head unit positioned left-of-center on a header may have the gathering chain positioned substantially over the right plate, and right-of-center substantially over the left plate.

Abstract: An auger conveyor (104) is provided for a row crop harvesting head (100) that has a hinged frame (102). The auger conveyor (104) has a first section (122) that is coupled to a second section (120, 124) with a universal joint (130).

Abstract: A hinged row crop harvesting head (100) has two frame sections (110, 112, 114) coupled together with at least one hinge (186, 188) that permits the two frame sections (110, 112, 114) to pivot with respect to each other as the hinged row crop harvesting head (100) travels through a field harvesting crops.

Abstract: The system and method automatically controls the position of at least one deck plate of a harvesting unit of a corn header so as to increase the width of a stalk receiving channel or reduce pinching forces between the plates when entering a stand of corn to facilitate alignment with the corn rows, and to change the position after a suitable time period or other condition or event, to narrow the channel width and/or increase pinching force, to reduce kernel loss while also monitoring forces exerted against the plates by the stalks and responsively adjusting the plate position for maintaining a desired force on the stalks or width.

Abstract: A corn stalk roll, a corn stalk head, and a corn stalk machine suitable for harvesting cobs and separating the stalk or stem of the cob plant is described. The machine requires low cutting power and is not susceptible to jamming.

Abstract: A row unit for an agricultural harvester includes left and right row unit arms that are fixed together with the shaped support. The shaped support is bent to extend across the top of the row unit arms and down the outside vertical surfaces of the row unit arms. The shaped support is welded to the outside vertical surfaces of the row unit arms.

Abstract: A rotary mower is mounted onto a skid steer loader through a four bar linkage on each side of a mower housing. The linkage is arranged to pivot relative to a mounting bracket on the skid steer loader and relative to a mower housing, with differential lengths between upper and lower sets of links of the four bar linkage. The upper link on each side of the mower is slidably connected to the mower housing to permit the mower housing to pivot a limited amount about a traverse axis during normal operation. The links include stop members that engage when the mower is raised a selected amount to stop relative movement between the links and also to shut off power to the motor driving the mower. The forward end of the housing has depending chains mounted with a channel and providing a shield.

Abstract: A control system for a riding turf mower. The control system incorporates an interlock system capable of controlling the cutting operation of the mower when traveling in a reverse direction.

Abstract: A safety cut-off system prevents the running of a motor of a self-propelled lawn mower having left and right drive wheels, and forward and reverse gears. The safety cut-off system includes a first forward presence lever manipulatable, by an operator, between an ON state and an OFF state, wherein the forward presence lever is biased to the OFF state, and a reverse presence lever manipulatable, by an operator, between an ON state and an OFF state, wherein the reverse presence lever is also biased to the OFF state. A preventing element, which is responsive to the forward and reverse presence levers, is provided for preventing the motor from running, when the lawn mower is in neutral or a forward gear and neither the forward presence lever nor the reverse presence lever are in the ON state, and when the lawn mower is in a reverse gear and the reverse presence lever is not in the ON state.

Abstract: An electric switch operating mechanism is disclosed for use with an electric lawn care appliance. The lawn care appliance has a housing, a switch and a movable bail which can be biased between active and inactive positions. An actuator is juxtaposed in between the bail and the switch. When the bail is moved to its active position, it causes the actuator to actuate the switch. The actuator has an engagement surface that engages with the bail to activate the mechanism. The switch further contains a button which enables the bail to engage the actuator.

Abstract: An electric working machine having an electric motor and batteries for providing power to the motor is provided. Power for charging the batteries is provided to the working machine through a connector. A key member is provided which comprises a key body having one end for insertion into and removal from a switch, and an operation portion which is integrally or removably provided at the other end of the key body extending sideways from the key body. The connector is positioned to the side of the switch at a location where it is covered by the operating portion of the key member at a turned position of the key member when the switch is in a first state, such that the connection of the connector with an external power source is made impossible.

Abstract: A programmable lawn mower assembly (10) including a carriage (12) supporting a mower central processing unit (CPU) (24) for controlling the drive motors (18) to control the direction of movement of the carriage (12). The assembly (10) includes first and second locating transmitters to be disposed on posts in spaced positions about the lawn with each locating transmitter simultaneously transmitting a radio frequency signal which travels at a first velocity and an audio signal which travels at a second velocity slower than said first velocity. A carriage receiver (50, 52) is disposed on the carriage (12) for receiving the radio and audio signals from the locating transmitters and for providing signals to the CPU (24) for determining the position of the carriage (12) relative to the locating transmitters by measuring the time between said radio and audio signals from each locating transmitter.

Abstract: A solid state mow system monitors and controls operations of a greens maintenance machine. This solid state system controls the other systems on the machine including: an interlock system, a reel lift control system, a cutting unit control system, a groomer control system, a backlap control system, a mow relay system or any other greens maintenance type system. The interlock system monitors input and output signals to determine if all of the preconditions to operation have been satisfied. The lift control system controls raising and lowering the cutting units. The mow control system controls the operation of cutting unit motors.

Abstract: In a forage harvester having a mechanically driven front attachment and hydrostatically driven compression rollers, the front attachment can be disconnected from its mechanical drive and instead connected with a hydrostatic drive of the compression rollers so as to be driven by the hydrostatic drive.

Abstract: An operation switch device for use with a lawnmower includes a switch and a first operation member operably movable between an "ON" position and an "OFF" position. A second operation member is mounted on the first operation and is positionable in a first position where the switch is turned on and a second position where the switch is held off when the first operation member is in the "ON" position and the "OFF" position, respectively. A restraining member in a restraining position is operable to prevent the second operation member from moving from the second position to the first position. The restraining member in a releasing position is operable to permit the second operation member to move from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: An electric appliance control system is provided for use with an electric power unit such as an electric lawn mower. The electric appliance control system includes a battery, a selectively operable switch, a relay having first and second contacts, a control means, a charger circuit and an operator presence switch. The relay is operable by the switch to connect the electric power unit to the battery. The first and second contacts of the relay pass amperage therethrough between the battery and the electric power unit. The first contact is normally open and the second contact is normally closed. The control means includes a negative temperature coefficient thermistor in series with the first contact and multiple thermistors arranged in parallel and utilized in series with the second contact. The negative temperature coefficient thermistor variably increases the amperage passing through the first contact of the relay upon the selective operation of the switch to connect the electric power unit to the battery.

Abstract: A fresh market sweet corn harvester for removing ears of corn from corn stalks. The harvester is configured to be mounted to a drive chassis for over-the-ground travel and includes a lower frame with one or more cutters for cutting lower portions of the corn stalks at a cut height above the ground. Hydraulic cylinders extending between the lower frame and the chassis are actuated from within the chassis operator compartment to raise and lower the lower frame and adjust the cut height. An upper frame is pivotally mounted with respect to the lower frame, One or more gathering mechanisms and one or more stripping mechanisms are mounted to the upper frame. The gathering mechanisms engage upper portions of the cut corn stalks and pull the stalks through the harvester. The stripping mechanisms remove ears of corn from the stalks as they are pulled through the harvester by the gathering mechanisms.

Abstract: A self-propelled lawn mower and control system for same which prevents the lawn mower from operating at high engine speed while in reverse, while still allowing a wide range of throttle speeds while in forward drive mode. Normally-open switches are closed to ground the primary ignition circuit when the lawn mower is in reverse and above a throttle speed threshold.

Abstract: A string trimmer with a control system for electric start, throttling, compression release, and engine kill control. An interlock is provided for preventing a start switch from being actuated unless the throttle trigger is fully actuated to a throttle fully open position. An idle setting system and engine kill button is provided at a control section at the throttle trigger. A single control cable is used for throttling, actuation of a compression release system at the engine, and stopping the operation of the engine.

Abstract: A rotating rate control apparatus for adjusting rotation of an engine of a working vehicle between a minimum rate and a maximum rate. The control apparatus has a first, a second and a third rotating rate adjusting devices. The first rotating rate adjusting device adjusts a basic rotating rate of the engine between the minimum rate and maximum rate. The second rotating rate adjusting device is shiftable between an ON position and an OFF position. The second rotating rate adjusting device is operable, when in the ON position, to set the engine to a predetermined rotating rate between the minimum rate and the maximum rate inclusive. The third rotating rate adjusting device is operable, when the second rotating rate adjusting device is in the OFF position, to adjust the rotating rate of the engine between the basic rotating rate adjusted by the first rotating rate adjusting device and the maximum rate.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the traveling of a mower comprising means for detecting the conveying state of cut grass in a shooter, and means for decelerating the traveling speed of the working machine while continuing the mowing work by the cutter and the feeding of an air flow to the shooter if the conveying state is more degraded than a jam prevention judgment criterion on the basis of the detection signal of the conveying state detector means. The conveying state of grass in the shooter is detected based on the density or amount of cut grass passing through the shooter per unit time, and the mower is decelerated while maintaining the rotation of the cutter blade for mowing and/or the feeding of the air flow into the shooter if the density exceeds a predetermined threshold value. A threshold value can be adjusted according to the condition of the grass to be cut; for example, high, degree of overgrowth, degree of dry or wet of the grass.

Abstract: A transmission type light sensor is disposed in the vicinity of the exit of a shooter, which has the exit thereof positioned above a grass-bag opening, and the fullness of the grass-bag is detected when the light blocking state of the sensor continues longer than a predetermined time. A light emitting portion and a light receiving portion of the light sensor are positioned opposite to each other so that their optical axes are in coincidence, and they are firmly attached to both ends of a light sensor mounting member. The light sensor consists of a light sensor main body which is placed at one side of a cover, and a retroreflective board placed at the side of the cover opposite to the light sensor main body for reflecting incident light from the light emitting portion in the direction of incidence.

Abstract: A throttle control for connection to an engine throttle control wire broadly includes a shifter and a case, with the shifter including a rim which engages a corresponding bearing wall within the case to define a circular shift path and which enables the throttle control to be converted for either a positive-action or negative-action mode. The case includes a first portion and a second portion, with at least one of the portions preferably including an inner wall spaced radially inwardly toward a pivot axis of the shifter and away from the bearing wall. The inner wall preferably includes one or more recesses thereon for engagement with a follower on the shifter whereby the shifter may be releasably held by the recess at a preselected position along the shift path.

Abstract: A recharging system for a battery operated tool such as a lawn mower. A slidable cover is used which is movable between an open position and a closed position. The slidable cover alternately exposes a receptacle adapted to receive a removable fuse key and an electrical connector adapted to receive an electrical power cord. The receptacle and the electrical connector are longitudinally aligned with the cover so that for the cover to move to the open position and expose the electrical connector, the fuse key must be removed. The receptacle is electrically connected in series with an activation switch, the battery and the electric motor to form a motor circuit. When the fuse key is removed to expose the electrical connector, the motor circuit is broken which prevents the electric motor from being activated whether or not the activation switch is engaged.

Abstract: A manual control for controlling the release of a latching mechanism of a piece of motion furniture including a housing to be mounted on the furniture, a lever to be pivotally mounted within the housing, a spring positioned between the lever and housing to urge the lever toward its inactive position, means on the lever to support the spring on the lever during mounting of the lever within the housing and allow release of one end of the spring to engage the housing, a cable sheath structure, an arcuate recess on the lever and having means to connect one end of the cable to the lever, means restricting entry of the cable into said arcuate recess to avoid undesired release of the cable therefrom, means on the housing for receiving one end of the cable sheath, the lever having a handle portion which is sufficiently large to limit the entry of more than the first joint of fingers into the housing below the lever handle, such handle portion having sufficient area on its outer surface to allow a logo to be embossed

Abstract: The switch has a housing adapted to receive a lever shiftable relative thereto between an ON position and an OFF position for activating an electric lawn mower. An activator button is movably affixed to the housing, such that the activator button is movable in a first degree of freedom relative to the housing between an ACTIVE position and a STOP position. The activator button is also movable in a second degree of freedom relative the housing between a READY orientation and a RUN orientation in response to movement of the lever to the ON position. A biasing means cooperates with the housing and the activator button for biasing the activator button toward the STOP position and the READY orientation. A normally open electrical switch is affixed on the housing for starting the electric mower. The electrical switch is closeable only when the activator button is moved to the RUN orientation.

Abstract: A row crop header for an agricultural harvesting machine having a plurality of row crop dividers defining crop gathering gaps. Each divider comprises a semiconical portion and a semicyclindrical portion that are formed roto molded polyethylene. Both portions are hollow double walled self-supporting polyethylene structures. The semiconical portion and the semicylindrical portion are pivotally secured to one another so they can be jacknifed into a transport configuration. The semicylindrical portion of the divider is pivotally mounted to a transverse frame by a first mounting assembly. A second mounting assembly is mounted to outwardly extending frame portions. The second mounting assembly has an upwardly extending pin which engages an aperture in the semicylindrical portion and a supporting rail which supports the bottom of the semiconical portion. The support rail can be vertically adjusted to change the vertical position of the semiconical portion.

Abstract: An engine starter attachment for use with equipment employing combustion engines having hand-operable starting cords. The attachment comprises a slide bar having a slider equipped with a stirrup to enable foot power to be applied to the slider. A cable attached to the slider passes over a swivel pulley and is connected to the engine pull cord so that foot power can be used in starting the engine.

Abstract: An apparatus wherein a self-propelled tractor mounts a support plate, a spool, and a reversing motor mounted to the spool to effectively extend and retract a cable wound about the spool. The cable is directed forwardly to a mounting plate positioned rearwardly and coextensively of a rear edge of an associated lawn mower housing to permit extension and retraction of a lawn mower about an incline of an associated slope in use of the lawn mower. A modification of the invention includes a plurality of spools, each including a reversible motor mounted in association with each respective spool to permit steering of each spool by selective relative rotation of each spool.

Abstract: A lawnmower handle assembly is disclosed for manually-starting lawnmowers in which the starter rope handle is retained by the bale lever. The rope handle is preferably retained by an aperture in the bale lever, with the starter rope passing through the aperture. The handle assembly enables the starter rope handle to be more accessible to the operator during starting, and decreases the time required for the lever to engage an ignition or blade stopping mechanism when the lever is released.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical interlock and module system for an electrically powered device such as a cordless, electric lawn mower that includes a normally open interlock switch for controlling the enabling of the power circuit for the lawn mower. A key member is adapted for insertion into a specially configured opening in the mower housing to actuate and close the interlock switch. With the interlock switch closed, energization of the motor is controlled by a separate handle-mounted ON/OFF switch in a conventional manner. In addition, a modular assembly technique is disclosed which facilitates ease of manufacturing while assuring proper alignment between the various components of the interlock system.

Abstract: A power operated lawn mower with an internal combustion engine having a pull cord starter mechanism and a foot operated attachment for pulling the starter cord. The foot operated starter pull cord attachment mounts on the rear of a cutting blade housing and has a vertical support and a V-shaped lever pivotal on the vertical support. One arm of the V-shaped lever connects to the starter pull cord and the other arm has a foot pedal for applying an accelerating force to the cord. The vertical support raises the height of the pivotal lever to a position where the movement of the lever arms provides a maximum pulling force in a short distance.

Abstract: An adjustable ignition shut-off switch for lawnmower engines is disclosed in which a tab attached to the bale lever moves a resilient switch contact away from a ground terminal when the lawnmower is in its run position. When the bale lever is released, the tab disengages the switch contact, permitting the resilient switch contact to make an electrical connection with the ground terminal. Since the switch contact is also electrically connected to the engine ignition system, ignition pulses are grounded to stop the engine when the switch contact is electrically connected to the ground terminal. The height of the tab is adjustable so that the shut-off switch may be adapted to different lawnmower applications.

Abstract: In a forage harvester, a shear bar is adjusted relative to the knives of a rotating cutterhead by selectively energizing first and second motors to move one or the other end of the shear bar toward the cutterhead. A vibration sensor senses vibration of the shear bar and controls a circuit to deenergize an energized motor when vibration is induced in the shear bar. The vibration may be caused by impact of the cutterhead knives on the shear bar (a true hit) or by random noise (detected as a false hit). To discriminate between false hits and true hits, an energized motor is stopped when a first hit (true or false) is detected. A timer is set to time an interval at least as great as the time it takes the cutterhead to make one revolution, and during this interval the vibration sensor is repeatedly sampled to determine if a second hit has occurred. If a second hit is detected during the interval the first hit is assumed to be a true hit.

Abstract: A harvester attachment for stripping crop clusters from tall stalks such as corn includes an intake path into which the stalks are received. The stalks are pulled through a narrow gap disposed in the intake path to strip-off the crop clusters. A pair of rotary bladed members are arranged on opposite sides of the intake path beneath the narrow gap. Opposing blades on the rotating bladed members radially overlap as they rotate to engage and fracture the stalks. The tip speed of the blades on one of the bladed members is greater than the tip speed of the other bladed member to enable the stalks to be severed by the blades.

Abstract: A low-profile internal combustion engine is disclosed, featuring a unitary flywheel spark generation and distributor assembly. A hydraulic starter system is disclosed which may be adapted to such internal combustion engine. The engine of the invention is particularly suitable for use in push-type lawnmowers, to provide a low-profile construction enabling mowing of landscape areas such as under low lying tree branches, beneath bushes, etc., which are otherwise inaccessible to high-profile conventional lawnmowers.

Abstract: A safety brake system for a walk behind lawn mower in which provision is made for alternative orientations of the engine relative to the mower deck and operator's position while utilizing the same components for the safety brake system. Only the interconnection of the components is changed for the alternative engine orientations. In one configuration, a control lever connected intermediate an operator actuated bowden cable and the brake disengagement device is pivoted between the attachment points of the control lever to the bowden cable and the disengagement device such that a reverseal of direction of pull is effected. In the other configuration, the point of attachment of the control lever to the disengagement device is on the same side of the pivot point of attachment to the bowden cable such that no reversal of direction of pull occurs.

Abstract: A lawn mower having a housing with a top, a bottom and a cutting chamber which is open to the bottom. A plurality of wheels are rotatably mounted to the housing and support the housing upon a ground surface while a push bar extends upwardly and outwardly from the housing to enable the housing to be maneuvered by a person utilizing the lawn mower. An electric motor has an output shaft and a long cutting element is secured to the output shaft. The electric motor is detachably secured to the housing so that, upon attachment, the cutting element is positioned within the cutting chamber of the lawn mower. An electric rechargeable battery is also attached to the motor.

Abstract: An apparatus, in combination with a conventional electrically powered hand or rider lawn mower, which provides a detachable electrical power source for such lawn mowers and one or more auxiliary electrical hand tools. The apparatus has an electrical generator powered by a gasoline engine and a control box all of which are mounted by support elements on a rectangular shaped tubular frame. The tubular frame is attached by four or more retention clips to the protective shroud of a hand lawn mower or the rear deck of a rider lawn mower. The control box has two or more a.c. electrical outlets which can be used to feed electrical current to the lawn mower and/or auxiliary electrical hand tools such as weed eaters, blowers, hedge clippers or edgers. In an alternative mode, the apparatus can be temporarily removed from the lawn mowers for use with a Recreational Vehicle, a lighting system or outdoor pump.

Abstract: A cable control device for use in connection with a lawnmower throttle control cable or the like is provided which is selectively alterable for positive or negative control action, which maintains the cable in a selected position, and which is adapted for coupling a clutch control bail thereto. The device preferably includes a housing adapted for mounting to a lawnmower handlebar; a body including an operating lever; means rotatably coupling the body with the housing in alternate configurations; and first and second means for pivotally coupling an end of the control cable at respective first and second locations on the body. The device can be used alternatively in a positive action mode whereby forward movement of the operating lever moves the cable forward and in a negative action mode whereby forward movement of the operating lever moves the cable rearward. Additionally, a biased pawl coupled with the housing engages detents formed in the body to hold the cable in a selected position.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical interlock and module system for an electrically powered device such as a cordless, electric lawn mower that includes a normally open interlock switch for controlling the enabling of the power circuit for the lawn mower. A key member is adapted for insertion into a specially configured opening in the mower housing to actuate and close the interlock switch. With the interlock switch closed, energization of the motor is controlled by a separate handle-mounted ON/OFF switch in a conventional manner. In addition, a modular assembly technique is disclosed which facilitates ease of manufacturing while assuring proper alignment between the various components of the interlock system.