Abstract: A transmission for a washing machine which uses an off center gear in combination with a rack and pinion agitation mechanism, a brake clutch, and a drive clutch to provide the agitation and the high speed spin of the washing machine. A lost motion interconnection between the machine's motor and the rack and pinion agitation mechanism allows a measure of relative rotation for actuation of the clutches without movement of the agitator.

Abstract: A grass discharge member for a lawn mower discharge chute automatically converted to/from a grass bag use or a direct discharge use positions upon the mounting/dismounting of the grass bag.

Abstract: A transmission for a washing machine which uses an off center gear in combination with a rack and pinion mechanism, a brake clutch, and a drive clutch to provide the agitation and the high speed spin of the washing machine. The input shaft is in line with the agitator shaft.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical hub spacer having inwardly and outwardly extending protrusions is used to rotationally interconnect a deck pulley to a spindle assembly in a lawn mower.

Abstract: A cylindrical valve for a gerotor motor including two alternating series of slots on the outer surface thereof for valving so as to equalize pressure induced dimensional changes for the valve irrespective of motor direction.

Abstract: An improved shape blade bell support for a rotary mowing blade, such blade bell support included on the underside of the mower blade between the blade bolt and blade, such blade bell support including two flexing outer support sections that hold the blade against an adaptor outwardly of the bolt.

Abstract: An auto-adjusting damper assembly for an air muffler, such assembly including a spring loaded damper plate located above an outlet hole for transferring some of the energy of incoming air into a mechanical movement of such damper.

Abstract: A spindle end/blade hole combination using a symmetrical six pointed star having differing radiused ends as the interconnection therebetween.

Abstract: A convertible mulching mowing deck is disclosed having an angled top profile with maximum height at a discharge hole plugged with a spring loaded plug, with the sidewall of the deck recessed outwards at the back edge of the discharge hole.

Abstract: A pivotable actuator for changing the condition of a mechanical power transmission system between neutral, engaged and disengaged states. The transmission system comprises rotary shafts each having a clutch mechanism and a clutch actuator for engaging and disengaging the clutch mechanism. A bearing device disposed about the shafts is moved by a shift mechanism to drive the clutch actuator between the different states. In an alternative embodiment relating to an aligned shaft drive system, the clutch actuator shifts a gear drive system from an engaged condition to a neutral condition and then to a braked condition.

Abstract: A fluid opening is disclosed on the head section of a drive shaft 30, such opening fluidically connected to the furthest away fluid port so as to draw fluid across the bearings of the device.

Abstract: An improved shaft seal including a relatively uniformed diameter hole in a housing surrounding a relatively uniformed shaft, with a shoulder on the shaft passing axial loads through a thrust bearing and seal to a ring fixedly connected to the housing.

Abstract: A control for a lawn and garden vehicle, such control utilizing a "U" shaped main direction control pivotally mounted to the handlebars. The control being physically interconnected to a transmission such that movement of the direction control forward causes the vehicle to move forward, and movement of the direction control backward causes the vehicle to move in reverse with the control being spring biased into a central neutral position.

Abstract: A marine fastener is disclosed using a base plate, a retainer nut, the Jaw button, and a spring made of thermoplastic, with the inner back opening of the spring cooperating with a ridge on the outer opening of the jaw button in order to selectively bias the jaw button in respect to the base plate.

Abstract: A wobblestick for forming teeth on a wobblestick wherein the minimum distance between the axis of the hob and the axis of the wobblestick remain substantially uniform throughout the forming of the teeth so as to form the teeth while producing a wobblestick having a uniform diameter throughout the length of the wobblestick.

Abstract: A full flotation mower deck for a rear engine walk behind lawn mower, such flotation deck including a fixed frame having a pivoting axle, with the mower deck independently supported by anti-scalping wheels and interconnected to the frame by pins with a separate mechanical interconnection between the mower deck and the frame for forward and aft movement in respect thereto.

Abstract: A mulching blade for a lawn mower including in combination a diagonal flange on the blade tip upwardly extending at a 20.degree., a neighboring cutout in the back of the blade, and a spaced downwardly extending flange section. These elements cooperate to recirculate the grass clippings in a circular manner through the region of the cutting edge so as to provide for a low inertia improved efficiency multi-purpose blade.

Abstract: A method for attaching articles of clothing together, which method includes the use of a plastic tape which has been coated on both sides with releasable adhesive, which releasable adhesive has been selected so as to be appropriate for the specific qualities of the articles which are to be attached together. The suitability of the releasable adhesives for the particular articles is indicated directly on the sides of the tape by words, color, or other indication means.

Abstract: A foldable wire holder for a plastic bag is disclosed to hold the bag in a vertical position with its mouth snagged in a fully open position on a wire framework formed by a horizontally disposed bag holding frame and an upper portion of an upright supporting framework for the bag holding frame. The wire holder is portable and, in one embodiment, may simply be thrust into the ground where it is to be used, for example, to collect leaves, grass clippings, or other discrete matter. The legs of the supporting frame are provided with stub ends and a lateral support member which sets their depth and keeps the bag holding frame in a horizontal plane while the bag is filled. In another embodiment, a foldable base is provided which is a mirror image of the bag holding frame. Angulation of the pivot on the supporting frame, or of the ends of the bag holding frame, is essential to position the bag holding frame in the horizontal position.