Abstract: A device (10) for removing lint from a dryer lint screen (14). Device (10) preferably includes a trash container (13) and a trash container lid (12), the latter of which forms a slot (26) for receiving the dryer lint screen (14). Attached to the underside of lid (12) adjacent slot (26) are bristles (40). Lint is removed from the lint screen (14) by inserting it into slot (26) and then withdrawing it. Bristles (40) contact the lint and strip it off of screen (14) as the screen is withdrawn from the slot (26). The lint can then fall into trash container (13) for subsequent disposal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved mechanism (100) for attaching a ground-engaging surface maintenance implement, preferably a front-mounted rotary sweeper (300), to a traction vehicle (200). The mechanism includes a four-bar linkage (102) to "yaw" the implement from an initial position, where the sweeper brush axis is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the traction vehicle (200), to a first or second position, characterized by the brush axis assuming an angled (i.e., non-perpendicular) orientation, the first and second positions being equal but opposite to one another. The mechanism further includes a central pivot (104) which permits the implement to "roll" or rotate preferably about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the brush axis such that the sweeper (300) can maintain ground contact across its lateral width when traversing laterally uneven terrain.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a cutting unit joint (22) which can be located between a lift arm (18) and a cutting unit (20). Cutting unit joint (22) includes a four-bar linkage preferably including pairs of pivoting links (46 and 48) which create a "virtual pull point" at any desired location. With regard to one embodiment, a cutting unit (20), the virtual pull point is even located below ground, when the cutting unit (20) is generally level. This configuration reduces or eliminates cutting unit "bobbing." In another embodiment, in connection with a cutting unit (20'), the virtual pull point is located roughly at the centerline of the reel, to maintain a good "seal" between the cutting unit (20') and a lift arm supported grass basket (52'). Another aspect of the present invention relates to a self-contained damper (76) connected to lift arm (18), the damper (76) resisting upward movement at a velocity or frequency consistent with cutting unit "bobbing.

Abstract: A steering operating unit joint (22) for connecting an operating unit (20) to a lift arm (18) of a turf maintenance machine (10). Operating unit (20) can be a reel-type turf cutting unit. Cutting unit joint (22) preferably includes a pivot knuckle (50) having a snout (66), suitably secured to the free end of lift arm (18); and a snout receiver (94) suitably secured to cutting unit (20). A pair of resilient elements (100) is interposed between snout (66) and snout receiver (94). Elements (100) act between snout (66) and snout receiver (94) to resist "yawing" of cutting unit (20), whereby cutting unit (20) can be automatically straightened once it is raised to its transport position. During transport, cutting unit (20) is maintained in a straight and level orientation so that the turf is not gouged when the cutting unit (20) is lowered to its operating position "on the fly.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention includes a traction vehicle (12); one or more reel-type cutting unit(s) (20), each supported by one or more rollers (34, 35); and a cutting unit suspension system (22) associated with each cutting unit, preferably including a ball joint (90) located generally at the same height as the cutting unit roller(s) (34, 35) and proximate the lateral mid-point of the cutting unit (20). Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a flexible seal member (110) which bears against a reel-type cutting unit and the lower edge of the mouth of a grass catcher (46). The flexible seal member (110) flexes to accommodate yawing of the cutting unit to minimize dribbling of grass clippings. In a preferred embodiment, when the cutting unit (20) is raised off of the turf, the cutting unit (20) initially rises independent of the grass catcher (46), and the flexible seal member (110) accommodates this relative motion by sliding along a front shield (40) of the cutting unit (20).

Abstract: An operator enclosure (12) for a commercial sprayer (10). A preferred enclosure (12) includes glass panels (30,32,34) only in the upper portion of the enclosure such that a fairly large gap is formed between the lower edges of the glass panels (30,32,34) and the chassis (16) of the sprayer (10). This gap enhances ventilation of the operator cab, particularly when the cab is pressurized by means of a blower-powered air cleaning system.

Abstract: A compost bin (20) including a plurality of substantially horizontal aeration/mixing slots (42). Slots (42), preferably "L-shaped," permit mixing and aeration of the composting material. A mixing tool, e.g., garden fork, can be inserted substantially vertically into the mixing/aeration slots (42), and pivoted to a substantially horizontal position to achieve thorough mixing of the compost material. Compost bin (20) also preferably includes a cover (26) having one or more rain collection ramps (74) which collect rainwater and divert it to one or more rain slots (76) and into the interior of compost bin (20).

Abstract: A power box (12) for a low voltage lighting system (10). Power box (12), which connects to a 120 VAC source via 120 VAC cable (15) and a plurality of low voltage light fixtures (14) via a 12 VAC cable (16), includes a "tortuous path" strain relief (40) including a first strain relief structure (41) in a base (19) having vertically spaced horizontal ribs (44, 46, 48) and a second strain relief structure (43) in a cover (28) having corresponding vertically spaced horizontal ribs (56, 54, 52). When base (19) and cover (28) are assembled, structures (41 and 43) align such that the ribs interdigitate or mesh to form the tortuous path strain relief (40) for the 120 VAC cable (15). Another aspect of the invention is the use of a standard spade lug connector (77) and a pair of "double-L" spade lug connectors (78) for making the internal and external 12 VAC connections to a step down transformer (60) and the 12 VAC cable (16), respectively.

Abstract: A discharge chute assembly (30) includes a chute (32) and a pivotal deflector (34), the overlapping end portions of which define a partial spherical or bail joint (40) which maintains a tight seal against backflow and leakage over the entire range of rotation and deflection of the assembly. The assembly (30) is preferably secured to a rotatable base (54) by means of lower pivots (70) and a releasable fastener (72) for collapsibility.

Abstract: A spooled wire dispenser cart (20) including a central frame (22) and a plurality of spaced spool bars (62). At the free end (66) of each spool bar (62) is a "spool retainer" (74). Each spool retainer (74) includes an elongate element (76) which has an "unblocking position" relative to the spool bar (62) wherein wire spools can be freely slid over the free end of the spool bar (62); and a "blocking position" relative to the spool bar (62) such that wire spools are prevented from sliding over the free end of the spool bar. A preferred wire cart (20) also includes a folding handle (46) which has an extended position useful for maneuvering the cart (20), and a folded position wherein handle (46) is compactly folded against the central frame (22) of cart (20).

Abstract: A power box (12) for a low voltage lighting system (10). Power box (12), which connects to a 120 VAC source via 120 VAC cable (15) and a plurality of low voltage light fixtures (14) via a 12 VAC cable (16), includes a "tortuous path" strain relief (40) including a first strain relief structure (41) in a base (19) having vertically spaced horizontal ribs (44, 46, 48) and a second strain relief structure (43) in a cover (28) having corresponding vertically spaced horizontal ribs (56, 54, 52). When base (19) and cover (28) are assembled, structures (41 and 43) align such that the ribs interdigitate or mesh to form the tortuous path strain relief (40) for the 120 VAC cable (15). Another aspect of the invention is the use of a standard spade lug connector (77) and a pair of "double-L" spade lug connectors (78) for making the internal and external 12 VAC connections to a step down transformer (60) and the 12 VAC cable (16), respectively.

Abstract: A Power box (12) for a low voltage lighting system (10). Power box (12), which connects to a 120 VAC source via 120 VAC cable (15) and a plurality of low voltage light fixtures (14) via a 12 VAC cable (16), includes a "tortuous path" strain relief (40) including a first strain relief structure (41) in a base (19) having vertically spaced horizontal ribs (44, 46, 48) and a second strain relief structure (43) in a cover (28) having corresponding vertically spaced horizontal ribs (56, 54, 52). When base (19) and cover (28) are assembled, structures (41 and 43) align such that the ribs interdigitate or mesh to form the tortuous path strain relief (40) for the 120 VAC cable (15). Another aspect of the invention is the use of a standard spade lug connector (77) and a pair of "double-L" spade lug connectors (78) for making the internal and external 12 VAC connections to a step down transformer (60) and the 12 VAC cable (16), respectively.

Abstract: A sand trap contouring attachment for a sand trap maintenance machine. A preferred attachment (12) includes a plow blade (30), a pair of blade supports (32) wherein the plow blade (30) is operatively attached to the supports (32) and wherein the supports (32) are pivotally attached to the sand trap maintenance machine (10) frame (18) at pivot points (38). Blade (30) lies at the front of machine (10), pivot point (38) lies at the rear of machine (10), and support arms (32) lie intermediate the blade (30) and pivot points (38). Control member (34) is operatively attached to the supports (32) via links (42) and (44). Control member (34) comprises an operator handle wherein the handle provides an operator gripping surface area right and left of a longitudinal center line of the machine (10). Spring means (36), (37), (39) are operatively connected to the machine (10) and the support arms (32) for biasing the supports (32) and blade (30) away from the ground. Control member (34) is adjustable to two positions.

Abstract: A convertible mulching mower (10) including a housing (12) and chute (30). Chute (30) can be selectively blocked with a chute plug (32) to selectively put mower (10) in a mulching mode. Mounted beneath housing (12) is a plurality of kickers (72) which serve to deflect the grass clippings generally downwardly and inwardly to cause them to penetrate the standing grass blades in the cutting path, when the mower (10) is in its mulching mode (when chute plug (32) is blocking discharge chute (30)). When chute plug (32) is removed, it can be replaced by various grass handling means, including a grass bag (36) or a side discharge chute extension (140). A wash-out system (129) can be included in plug (32) to allow the underside of housing (12) to be sprayed with water to remove accumulated grass clippings. Wash-out system (129) can be used for mulching or non-mulching mowers.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a removable chute assembly (33) for a snowthrower (10). Chute (33) is connected to housing (12) of snowthrower (10) by using a plurality of locking assemblies (52) and a detent assembly (50). Each locking assembly (52) includes a pivoting member (56) which can engage a flange (38) of chute assembly (33) to hold chute assembly (33) in locked engagement with housing (12). Each pivoting member (56) is held in locked position by a detent member (70) which can be manipulated by an ignition key (13) of snowthrower (10), and each pivoting member (56) can be pivoted away from flange (38) to allow for the chute assembly (33) to be removed from housing (12). Preferably, key (13) engages a switch (15) such that key (13) can only be removed from switch (15) when the snowthrower is turned off. Therefore, chute assembly (33) can only be removed when the snowthrower is not operating.