Abstract: A lawnmower can include a deck, blade, electric motor, battery pack, housing and fan. An air inlet can be located at the front end of the housing and adjacent to the top surface of the deck. The fan can be mounted in the housing and the housing can be configured such that, when the fan operates, air enters the housing air inlet at the front end of the housing, air flowing through the housing air inlet enters the first chamber, air flowing in the first chamber flows through the battery pack, air exiting the first chamber enters the second chamber and flows through the second chamber, air flowing in the second chamber flows through the motor in a direction that extends along the blade axis, and air exiting the motor exits the housing through the at least one air outlet.

Abstract: A convertible lawnmower with a mulching mode and a discharge mode includes a housing and a mulching system. The housing includes a discharge opening. The mulching system includes a mounting ring and a shutter ring. The mounting ring is coupled substantially concentrically to the housing and includes an upper surface, a lower surface, and a sidewall that extends substantially axially therebetween. The sidewall is formed with a retaining groove and at least one installation groove. The retaining groove extends at least partially circumferentially within an inner surface of the sidewall and each installation groove extends axially from the lower surface to the retaining groove. The shutter ring is only coupled to mounting ring via the retaining groove such that the shutter ring is selectively shiftable between a mulching mode and a discharge mode.

Abstract: A system for de-plugging rotating ground engaging tools of an agricultural implement includes first and second ground engaging tools spaced apart from each other such that a flow gap is defined between the tools, a rotational actuator configured to rotationally drive the tools about a rotational axis, a sensor configured to capture data indicative of material accumulation within the flow gap defined between the tools, and a controller configured to determine when the tools are experiencing a plugged condition based on the data received from the sensor. Additionally, in response to the determination that the tools are experiencing the plugged condition, the controller is further configured to control an operation of the rotational actuator such that the tools are rotationally driven while such tools are disposed at a working position relative to a soil surface of a field.

Abstract: A lawnmower and lawnmower cooling system can include a housing configured to contain a motor, a battery assembly, a motor driver, and a controller. The housing can include at least one air inlet located adjacent to the top surface of the deck. The housing can include a driver chamber, a battery chamber, a motor chamber, and at least one air outlet. A fan can be mounted in the housing such that, when the fan operates, air enters the air inlet, flows through the driver chamber away from the top surface of the deck along the upward direction, passes through the motor driver along the upward direction, passes into the battery chamber and flows through the battery pack, passes into the motor chamber and flows through the electric motor, and exits the motor chamber through the at least one air outlet.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a blade assembly configured to perform a cutting function, a deck formed with an accommodation space for accommodating at least a portion of the blade assembly, a motor configured to drive the blade assembly to rotate about a rotation axis, and a battery pack configured to power the motor. The blade assembly includes a first cutting portion configured to cut grass and a second cutting portion configured to cut grass. In the direction parallel to the rotation axis, the second cutting portion is located below the first cutting portion. The battery pack includes a battery pack housing and battery cells provided in the battery pack housing.

Abstract: A shutter assembly for a lawnmower can include a cutter housing, a shutter, and a lever. The shutter can be rotatably attached to the cutter housing so as to be movable between (a) a first shutter position in which a blocking panel is positioned such that the blocking panel opens the discharge opening, and (b) a second shutter position in which the blocking panel is positioned such that the blocking panel closes the discharge opening, and the second shutter position corresponds to a mulching position. The lever can be attached to the shutter and extend through the cutter housing slot. The lever can move the shutter between the first shutter position and the second shutter position. The lever can include a handle knob assembly that includes a button that is biased, by a spring, to lock in any one of a plurality of positions on the cutter housing.

Abstract: A method of moving a component of a harvester that includes a topper for cutting top portions of crops, a conveyor for transporting the cut stalks of the crops, a primary hood, and a secondary hood, each of the primary and secondary hoods operable to direct the cut top portions of the crops away from the conveyor. The method includes selecting a cutting mode of operation from the following modes of operation: circular cutting mode and face cutting mode; selecting a crop position from the following crop positions: crop at right and crop at left; selecting at least one component from the following components: the conveyor, the primary hood, or the secondary hood; and in response to selecting at least one component, automatically moving the selected at least one component to one of a first operational position or a second operational position.

Abstract: An impulse mechanism for a vibratory device includes an eccentrically weighted shaft that is adapted to be rotated to create vibratory forces. A fan component is mounted on the eccentrically weighted shaft. The fan component has a plurality of fan blades spaced around its periphery.

Abstract: The invention consists of a mounting plate and a cage. The mounting plate is mounted on the back of a riding mower. The mounting plate is made out of a flat piece of metal with the edges turned at right angle. The edges have openings and slots. Openings on the flat portion attach the mounting plate to the riding mower with bolts. A blower is placed in the cage. The cage is made out of four metal tubes and a platform. An attaching plate attaches the metal tubes and the platform to the mounting plate. The attaching plates have a set of opening and pins. The cage is attached to mounting plate by placing pins on the attaching plate within the slots on the mounting plate. A clovis pins is placed through openings on mounting plate and the attaching plate to hold cage on the mounting plate.

Abstract: A lawn mower robot may include an inner body; an outer cover; wheels rotatably mounted; a rotating plate rotatably mounted on a bottom surface of the inner body; a plurality of blades spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the rotating plate; and a blade protection cover formed to be spaced apart from the blades, wherein the blade protection cover comprises a plurality of protrusion portions spaced apart from each other on a circular arc in front of a blade protection cover body, and a distance between the plurality of protrusion portions is formed to be smaller toward both side end portions with respect to a front-rear directional center line of the blade protection cover.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester has a header for harvesting a crop, an on-board container for storing the harvested crop, and a feeder adapted to receive the harvested crop from the header and provide the harvested crop to the on-board container. The agricultural harvester further has a transporter adapted to transport the harvested crop from the on-board container towards a distal end of the header; at least part of the transporter being mounted to the header or the feeder and a discharger in communication with the transporter and adapted to receive the harvester crop as transported by the transporter, at or near the distal end of the header, the discharger having a discharge outlet for discharging the harvested crop.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting leaves includes a mobile carrier and a leaf raking mechanism, hollow chute, blower unit and exhaust duct on the mobile carrier. The mobile carrier is movable forwardly over a surface during performance of leaf collection operations. Forced air flow produced by the blower unit is directed through the hollow chute from a rear end to a front end thereof past the leaf raking mechanism so as to create a vacuum effect in the hollow chute that assists the leaf raking mechanism in gathering leaves from the surface and delivering the leaves into the hollow chute where the leaves become entrained in the forced air flow directed to and through an outlet of the hollow chute and through the open top of a leaf collection bag, and into the bag, being disposed below the outlet of the hollow chute.

Abstract: There is provided a residual radioactive sludge liquid suction apparatus capable of safely and surely sucking radioactive sludge liquid remaining in a sludge storage tank with no fear of being exposed to radiation at a time when a small amount of sludge liquid remaining in the sludge storage tank is transferred to another tank.

Abstract: An assembly and method for displacing bees from vegetation subject to cutting by mowing machines. The assembly is provided as blower means and an affixed funnel attachment. In operation, the blower means force air into the funnel attachment, directing a concentrated air stream to an area immediately in front of the mowing deck, displacing animals in the area prior to cutting by the mowing deck. A funnel mouth is oriented so that the emitted air stream is at least as wide as the mower deck, and multiple blower assemblies or larger funnel attachments may be used to accommodate larger mowing decks. A kit for retrofitting existing mowers is provided. A rake is further provided for use alone or with the blower means. The method for displacing animals includes selective actuation of the blower and/or other displacement means while operating the mowing machine.

Abstract: A system for modifying a boundary of operation of a machine has a change in terrain sensor system. A controller determines a change in terrain based at least in part upon a change in terrain signal. If the change in terrain exceeds a threshold, the controller modifies the boundary of operation of the machine. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A cutter guard for a rotating blade of a lawn mower, particularly for a robotic, self-guided or autonomous lawn mower forms a cutting bowl in which the blade is mounted for rotation about a generally vertical axis. The guard comprises a generally planar guard section surrounded by an arcuate section, transverse edges of which define an opening in the cutter guard, which in operation is pointed to the front of the lawn mower, to allow uncut grass to be accessed by the cutting blades. The arcuate section comprises a plurality of apertures.

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 vegetation trimmer (10) having a motor (20) with a motor output shaft (30), a cutting head (22) for cutting vegetation, and a gear mechanism (26, 34, 36, 38) for transmitting power from said motor output shaft (30) to the cutting head (22). The motor output shaft (30) has a gear mechanism with a pinion wheel and a fan (28) mounted thereon. The gear mechanism (26, 34, 36, 38) further comprises an internal gear wheel (26) engaging with the pinion wheel (34) and connected to the cutting head (22), whereby the cutting head (22) rotates in the same direction (B) as the fan does (D) during operation of the motor (20).

Abstract: An agricultural combine includes a supporting structure. A work assembly is coupled to the supporting structure. The work assembly has a plurality of components to assist in the performing of crop processing operations. The work assembly is configured to define an air stream path. The work assembly has at least one rotary component that generates an air stream that flows through the air stream path to aid in crop processing in the work assembly. A fluid system is configured to circulate a fluid. The fluid system includes a fluid cooler that is positioned at a location in the air stream path to provide cooling of the fluid.

Abstract: A lightweight hand held vegetation trimmer powered by an onboard battery, or alternatively available in a version powered by 120 volt mains power. A battery pack powers an electric motor to generate a rotary output and a cutting line adapted to be rotably driven by a line support structure, all enclosed within a round or elliptical shaped hood. By introducing an upwards facing impeller driven by the same electric motor within the internal chamber under the hood structure, the trimmer is floated on a cushion of air, to carry the weight of the cutting head to reduce operator fatigue and to maintain a continuously horizontal cutting position for the cutting element.

Abstract: A large square baler is equipped with a plunger drive incorporating a flywheel configured as a fan which creates a flow of air within a housing disposed about the flywheel. A duct arrangement is coupled between the housing and a knotter table housing so that air is directed across and maintains a plurality of knotters located at the knotter table free of debris.

Abstract: A guard for a sickle of an agricultural plant cutting machine includes a forwardly extending finger including a longitudinally extending, upwardly facing surface extending over the sickle, which includes a rearwardly facing air discharge nozzle therein located above and/or forwardly of the sickle, and the finger includes an air flow passage extending internally therethrough from an air inlet adjacent to a base of the finger to the nozzle, for delivering a flow of pressurized air thereto, the nozzle being at least mostly flush with or recessed into the upwardly facing surface. As a result, the nozzle is operable for discharging the flow of air rearwardly over the finger without obstructing plant material flow thereover, the air flow being sufficient to blow at least a substantial amount of loose grain and other plant material located forwardly of the front edge of a header floor of the machine, onto the floor for collection by a conveyor of the header for processing.

Abstract: A debris herding method and apparatus is described comprising a low power air blower and a tilted rotary rake. The air blower acts together with a tilted rotary rake to dislodge and impel the debris. A motor driven chassis transports the blower and the rotary rake across the lawn. The blower and rotary rake can be energetically powered, such as by a solar cell array mounted to the chassis. The present invention is directed to an energetically efficient device for moving debris on a surface, such as leaves on a lawn.

Abstract: A harvesting machine includes a self-propelled vehicle adapted for separating grain from non-grain material, a cleaning shoe and a fan for controlling air flow. The fan is positioned downstream of the cleaning shoe and the fan having an air inlet for providing air to the fan and an aspiration outlet for providing air from the fan. The fan assists in reducing static air pressure within the harvesting machine. The fan may be a centrifugal fan. The harvesting machine may further include a chopper operatively connected to the vehicle and adapted for receiving the non-grain material and chopping the non-grain material and a blower adapted for assisting in conveying the non-grain material from the chopper such as for collection in a collection container.

Abstract: A combined edger, trimmer and blower generally referred to as a lawn care apparatus for tending vegetation. More particularly, a novel handlebar provides a power control handle to maintain a boom on a longitudinal line of symmetry from a fixed point to an upright motor assembly in response to a side control handle rotating and translating the boom from a gearbox to a tangential tool assembly in front of an operator on a lateral line of symmetry. The gearbox including one or more lateral hubs that quick couples the side control handle into either a right or left handed holding position when the fixed point is to the side of an operator. The gearbox further containing one or more orthogonal gears with one or more gear addendum cams to lock the tangential tool assembly into a vertical or horizontal operating position, that is, a narrow or wide operating framework.

Abstract: A self-cleaning blow-off for a rotary air screen, includes a blow-off channel including an inlet disposed for receiving a flow of air from a pressurized air source, and a movable blow-off channel section configured and supported to be movable between an operational position disposed adjacent to a portion of the air screen for directing the flow of air for blowing debris and dirt from the screen, and a cleaning position disposed away from the screen such that accumulated debris and dirt in the blow-off section will be released. And, an actuator is connected to and controllably operable for moving the movable blow-off section between the operating position and the cleaning position. The actuator can be controlled to move the movable blow-off section to the cleaning position periodically, as desired, or responsive to an input.

Abstract: Apparatus for evacuating water and dirt from a cooler box of a cooling system, incorporated with a blow-off for an air screen of the system. The water and dirt will flow through an aperture in a lower region of the cooler box into a smaller box of the apparatus disposed therebelow. A fan operable for generating the air flow through the air screen and the cooler box, also blows a portion of the flow through a blow-off channel to the air screen for blowing debris away from the air screen. The channel and smaller box are cooperatively configured such that the air flow through the channel will generate a partial vacuum condition in the smaller box operable for evacuating the water and the dirt into the channel so as to be carried away with debris from the air screen.

Abstract: This is a leaf blower attachment which can be used with nearly any hand-held or back-pack type of leaf blower commonly on the market today, either electric or gas powered. It is designed for the purpose of clearing a six foot wide path of leaves from driveways, walkways or lawns by simply pushing the assembled unit (leaf blower and attachment) straight ahead with not much more effort than pushing a grocery shopping cart. This is accomplished by connecting nearly any make/brand/model of available market leaf blowers to my invention by either inserting the blower discharge tube directly into the attachment, or by means of utilizing a specific manufacturer's adapter fitting, if necessary. Because the attachment carries the entire weight of the blower head, it can be used efficiently, safely and easily by both the very young (as tested by an eight year old boy) and the elderly (as tested by an 81 year old woman).

Abstract: A housing which encloses the trimmer of a combined weed whacker, blower and vacuum to prevent grass and weeds from dispersal once cut so as to capture them after a trimming action by dropping them where they can easily be vacuumed into a container bag.

Abstract: A rear discharge mower deck has at least two cutting blades mounted on vertical spindles in cutting chambers, a fan in a housing mounted on the deck over the cutting chambers, and an inlet opening between the cutting chambers and the fan housing. The surface area of the inlet opening may be between about 50% and about 80% of the surface area within the fan diameter. A stripper plate may be on one edge of the inlet opening, and each cutting chamber may have an upwardly sloping tunnel to the inlet opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a forage harvester blower including a blower rotor having a plurality of generally radially extending rotor paddles which operate in a corresponding substantially cylindrical housing, characterised in that said housing is provided with adjustment mechanism for at least locally adjusting the diameter of the housing. The present invention further relates to a method for optimising the operation of a forage harvester blower and to a method for preventing damage to a forage harvester blower during operation.

Abstract: A mower deck includes a blower to lift blades of grass or vegetation for cutting. The blower may be mounted above and to the rear of the mower deck, and may rotate on a vertical axis spaced from the axes of the cutter blades. A passage or duct extends from the cutting chambers under the mower deck to the blower. Cutter blades may be used having essentially flat or planar surfaces to reduce noise, or the mower deck may be used with conventional blades. The mower deck may be configured with several alternative discharge modes, so that clippings and debris may be collected in a container, or may be dispersed to the rear or side of the mower.

Abstract: A weed cutter (10) having a protective housing (32) with an air impeller (28), an air diverter (50) and a motor driven rotary cutter element (12, 14, 16, 18). The air impeller creates a vacuum to effectively pull weeds into an inlet opening (42) in the protective housing prior to contact with the cutter element and exhausting the debris through an exhaust outlet (46).

Abstract: A leaf vacuum and mulching implement for attachment by three-point-hitch to a farm tractor and driven by mechanical connection to the tractor's power tack-off unit (PTO). The implement utilizes a broad vacuum deck having polymeric skirts in near proximity with the ground and a floating three-point-hitch system for lifting the vacuum deck and allowing it to follow the ground contour. High velocity fans blow debris collected by the vacuum deck to a unique, rotating, multifaceted, conical shredding rotor prior to directional dispersion.

Abstract: A material collecting fill indicator and pressure gauge is mounted on a conduit extending from a grass mower housing to a clipping container, with the conduit passing by an operator's seat on the mower. The fill indicator has a visible air pressure gauge to visibly show the operator the changes in the static air pressure within the conduit which reflected the degree to which the clipping container is filled.

Abstract: A vacuum trailer assembly for collecting and disposing of debris. The vacuum trailer assembly includes a frame having a hitch portion and a trailer portion. The trailer portion has a plurality of wheels for supporting the frame. The hitch portion is designed for coupling to a vehicle. A vacuum assembly is coupled to the frame. The vacuum assembly includes a flexible intake tube for sucking debris into the vacuum assembly. The vacuum assembly has a discharge tube for expelling debris from the vacuum assembly. A collection bin is coupled to the frame. The collection bin is positioned whereby debris expelled from the discharge tube is collected in the collection bin. A stand assembly is coupled to the frame. The stand assembly includes a support panel designed for supporting a person thereon whereby the person can manipulate the intake tube to collect debris from an area surrounding the frame.

Abstract: A mobile sweeper having a wheel supported housing to be moved forward and backward over a surface to be swept of debris. A pair of parallel elongated rotary brushes are mounted in the housing for rotation and extend in the direction of their elongation transversely to the direction of normal forward movement of the housing. These rotating brushes project downwardly through a bottom opening in the housing for sweeping an underlying surface of leaves and other debris. The drive for the brushes drives the rotary brushes in counter rotation whereby debris is swept upwardly between the brushes. A vacuum shredder fan is also mounted in the housing and communicates through a vacuum chute with the bottom opening of the housing for drawing in debris swept up by the brushes and chipping, shredding or mulching and discharging the shredded debris through a discharge chute for collection.

Abstract: A material collecting fill indicator and pressure gauge is mounted on a conduit extending from a grass mower housing to a clipping container, with the conduit passing by an operator's seat on the mower. The fill indicator has a visible air pressure gauge to visibly show the operator the changes in the static air pressure within the conduit which reflected the degree to which the clipping container is filled.

Abstract: A lawn sweeper and bagger which increases the efficiency of the device by utilizing a Bernoulli Effect to increase the pickup capabilities of the device and which also permits handling of the bags more readily by positioning them on the front rather than on the rear of the machine.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a lawn sweeper and bagger which increases the efficiency of the device by utilizing a Bernoulli Effect to increase the pickup capabilities of the device and which also permits handling of the bags more readily by positioning them on the front rather than on the rear of the machine.

Abstract: A lawnmower has a mower deck and an engine supported on the mower deck. A dome shaped cover is pivotally connected on the mower deck and can be moved between a position over and enclosing the engine and a second position exposing the engine. A cutting blade is located below the mower deck and is connected to and driven by the engine. The dome shaped cover is provided with vents and defines a space between its lower edge and the mower deck so that air can enter the cover through the vents and the defined space. A fan is connected to and driven by said engine for producing, in cooperation with said vents and the defined space, air flow into and through the dome shaped cover and over the engine. The fan is constructed and arranged so that it discharges the air flow it is providing into the grass cutting discharge stream of the mower.

Abstract: A mechanical harvester and harvesting method for harvesting crops grown on an overhead trellis system including a harvester frame having a top portion and opposing sides forming an open frame to allow crop bins or gondolas to pass under the top portion and through the harvester so that the harvester can continuously harvest an entire row of crops. The top portion of the harvester has crop separating mechanisms to dislodge the crop from the overhead plant canopy. The crop falls downward onto a conveyor belt assembly that transports the crop to the front of the harvester where it is deposited onto a pair of cross conveyor belts that conveys it to a central opening for depositing into the bin. A fan is utilized to blow air across the crop material to separate any plant debris from the crop prior to depositing the crop into the bin.

Abstract: A single row or single plant harvesting machine which is particularly useful for harvesting test and developmental plots used by plant breeders of cereal grains. The harvester has a cutting head with cutter that severs the stalks of the grain plants and produces cuttings. The cuttings are threshed by an impeller to free the grain, seeds or other plant product. The impeller is also used to generate a vacuum which draws the cuttings into an intake port which feed the thresher. The impeller further conveys the threshed cuttings to a separator which separates the grain seeds from the straw and chaff which are discharged onto the ground. The harvester can be carried on a human operator or be rolled using a wheeled carriage. The harvester eliminates bundling and remote threshing while also speeding and simplifying the harvesting of small test and developmental plots.

Abstract: An implement for trimming grass and weeds, and for blowing clippings and debris. The implement consists of a rotatable housing having an outer wall; at least two fan blades, each of the fan blades having an inner end and a outer end; and at least two slide channels interconnecting each of the fan blades with the rotatable housing. The slide channels allow the outer ends of the fan blades to alternately extend from the outer wall of the rotatable housing to a fully extended position, and retract toward said outer wall to a fully retracted position. A weed trimming line is fixedly attached to and extends outwardly from the rotatable housing for performing weed trimming as a function in addition to debris blowing.

Abstract: A hovermower is comprises a motor for driving a cutter about a substantially vertical axis beneath a protective deck, a mechanism generating a cushion of pressurized air beneath the deck, and a handle for maneuvering the deck over the ground, the deck being pivotable relative to the handle about a first substantially horizontal axis, characterised in that the deck is further pivotable relative to the handle about a second horizontal axis transverse to the first axis.

Abstract: A versatile, lightweight and compact utility cart is provided for supporting and transporting a variety of landscaping appliances. The utility cart includes a base defining a generally planar platform, a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted to the base and a handle extending upwardly from the base. The utility cart may also include a mounting arm extending outwardly from the base in the plane of the platform for adjustably mounting an accessory of the landscaping appliance. In one embodiment, the utility cart further includes a retaining arm pivotally mounted to the base and the retaining arm includes an adjustable retaining guide for temporarily retaining the landscaping appliance between the retaining arm and the platform. In a second embodiment, the utility cart further includes a mounting bracket having a U-shaped flange at one end and an L-shaped flange at the other end for temporarily securing the landscaping appliance to the platform.