Abstract: A NATO slave connector may include a 2-conductor cable designed to permit a maximum current draw of about 35 amperes. The connector may also include: a connection end adapted to connect to a military vehicle's 24 volt battery NATO slave receptacle; a cable end adapted to be electrically wired to a device; and, a protective covering on the outer surface of the connector.

Abstract: A lawn mower blade having a thickness of approximately 0.075 inches comprises a main body, an elevational profile, and end portions equidistant from the center of the blade. The elevational profile consists of a raised portion that reaches a height at the plateau portion at the center of the blade. The elevational profile increases at an angle &agr; as the end portions approach the plateau. Each of the first and second end portions has a cutting edge portion. The height to blade thickness ratio is at least two-to-one. Further, since the mower blade is generally not heat treated, ribbing is added to the mower blade to provide strength.

Abstract: An apparatus for starting an engine comprises a frame and an internal combustion engine operatively mounted to the frame. A control member is operatively connected to the frame, wherein the control member has an activated position and a deactivated position. The control member adapted to complete an engine circuit when in the activated position. An energy storage medium is operatively associated with the engine such that release of energy stored in the energy storage medium turns the engine and facilitates its starting. A starting assembly is utilized to release the stored energy in the energy storage medium. As such, an operator must utilize two separate and distinct actions, activating the control member and activating the starting assembly, to restart the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A cleaning device for use with a gutter system includes at least a first body portion connected to the top of the gutter pipe. The cleaning device includes a downspout, connected to the gutter, with a flexible segment. The flexible segment can be extended or compressed to allow removal or insertion into a storm drainage pipe. The downspout may pivot at the flexible segment to divert water away from the structure while the cleaning device is in use.

Abstract: A vegetation mower incorporating a drive train using two mechanical transmissions to selectively drive the ground engaging wheels at different speeds. The drive train incorporates a single pulley belt to transfer power from the mower engine to the drive wheels.

Abstract: An upper hood and a blower housing form an air induction cavity in the side of the mower hood, which draws the ambient air into the air intake and from there into the engine. Two shield members on the blower housing prevent the ambient air from mixing with the hot air of the engine. Forming an air induction cavity by connecting the upper hood to the housing, having the lower lip of the air induction cavity lower than the air intake of the blower housing, channeling the air into the air intake via channels on the blower housing, and preventing the hot air of the engine from mixing with the ambient air drawn through the air induction cavity.

Abstract: A lawn mower has a mainframe, a sub-frame bolted onto the mainframe for ease of installation and removal and traction motors mounted on the sub-frame. The traction motors have shafts for driving engagement with drive wheels used in moving the lawn mower. Hydraulic pumps are mounted onto the sub-frame and have pump drive pulleys. Pump belts operatively connect the pump drive pulleys to the mower driven pulley. Preferably the sub-frame has end plates connected by tie rods. Each of the end plates supports one of the traction motors on one side and one of the frame pumps on the other side.

Abstract: A compression relief mechanism for a small four-cycle engine to facilitate cranking. The engine has a single cam actuating both the intake and exhaust valves. The cam has a primary cam surface and a boss extending from its side. The exhaust valve cam follower engages only the primary cam surface. The intake valve cam follower has a first cam follower surface engaging only the primary cam surface and a secondary cam engagement surface engaging only the boss to open the intake valve during a predetermined portion of the engine's compression cycle. The opening of the intake valve during the compression cycle provides compression relief facilitating cranking. The secondary cam follower surface may be provided on either the intake or exhaust cam follower to open either the intake or exhaust valve during the compression cycle to provide the desired compression relief during cranking.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved card structure, which employs at least two polyester layers and is useful as, e.g., a credit card, shopping card, pre-paid card, identification card, or the like. An additional feature is a card which has a metal foil appearance. The card is formed by a lamination process using at least two polyester layers which are joined with a white PVC core layer and are covered with a clear cover layer. The card can be made from laminate substructures and which are subsequently joined by an adhesive layer to form the laminate structure. The cards can be overprinted, embossed, or provided with further components such as holograms, signature pads, magnetic strips, photographic identification strips, or card company identifiers.

Abstract: A riding lawn mower having zero turn capabilities has the engine mounted on the front of the frame. A drive system includes first and second hydrostatic transmissions for use in driving the back wheels. A grass bag may be mounted to the back portion of the frame and provides a counter balance to maximize the weight distribution. A discharge chute transfers cut vegetation from a mower deck to the grass bag and provides rear center discharge.

Abstract: A Zero Turn Radius vehicle is provided that utilizes a drive system including a single hydraulic variable displacement pump and dual variable displacement hydraulic motors connected respectively one to each of two ground engaging wheels for use in steering and propelling the vehicle. The configuration of the drive system allows for proper ZTR steering of the in the forward and reverse directions.

Abstract: A fuel tank protection valve is provided. The valve consists an all-metal diaphragm suitable for operating at low temperatures. The valve includes a tank duct connected to the fuel tank and a second duct connected to a filter. A sealing device is connected to the diaphragm adapted to open and close a passage between the tank duct and the second duct. The valve further includes a one-way, mushroom type valve to allow gas flow from the filter to the gas tank. A clamp cover with air passage openings is included to allow equalization of the pressure between the ambient air and the air pressure within the cover space.

Abstract: A foot pedal is pivotally connected to a bracket member wherein it operatively communicates with a Hall Effect sensing device for use in sensing the position of the foot pedal. A Hall Effect sensing device communicates with a control module, whereby the combination of the assembly operates to logically determine the position of the foot pedal with respect to driving the vehicle in the forward or reverse positions as well as a neutral position. The control module in conjunction with the Hall Effect sensing device is operable to engage various vehicle components such as reverse indicating lights and the like. Additionally, the Hall Effect sensing device and control module may be used to disengage a secondary power source or power take off from the engine when driving the vehicle in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A gear tooth has a main body and a lead-in portion for use in receiving the lead-in portion of a corresponding gear tooth on another gear. The main body may include first and second ends and first and second sides. The sides may form first and second protrusions with the first end. The lead-in portion may include first and second side walls extending from the first end of the main body and first and second sliding surfaces extending from the first and second side walls respectively. The first sliding surface lies on a first plane. The first side wall defines a first shelf on the first end of the main body. The first protrusion, the first shelf and the first side of the main body are all positioned between the first plane and an axial centerline of the main body. To form a gear, powdered metal is added to a gear mold. The powdered metal is then compacted within the gear mold. Next, a green gear is formed. The green gear has a plurality of teeth each having at least one tool shut off shelf.

Abstract: A control valve and feedback system has three operating states including a lifting state, a neutral state, and a lowering state. The feedback control system comprises a cylinder, a pump, a reservoir for holding working fluid, and a control valve. The control valve comprises a valve body having first and second ends with a bore defined therebetween. The valve body further comprises an inlet port, a return port, a first work port and a second work port. The inlet port, return port, and first and second work ports are defined in the valve body. The inlet port communicates with the bore and the pump. The return port is in fluid communication with the bore and the reservoir. The first work port is also in communication with the bore and the cylinder in the lifting state. The control valve is plumbed backwards so that the first work port and the second work port are in fluid communication in the lowering state. The valve also comprises a check valve disposed in the first work port.

Abstract: A progressive cavity pumping system includes a pump housing, a rotor member operatively received in the pump housing, a prime mover coupled to the rotor member for driving the rotor member in first and second directions and a controlling means for actuating the prime mover, wherein the controlling automatically causes the rotor member to be driven in the second direction after shut down or idling of the pumping system. A method of operating the pumping system includes automatically driving the rotor member in a second direction after initiating shut down or idling of the pumping system and prior to start up of the same.

Abstract: A tine assembly for a cultivator includes a first tine member having a plurality of radially extending non-planar tines. At least two tines on each tine member differ in shape from the remaining tines. The tine assembly may include a second tine member which is shaped like a mirror-image of the first tine member. When assembled on a shaft, the second tine member is off-set from the first tine member so that tines on alternating tine members contact the ground as the shaft rotates.

Abstract: A vacuum unit used to vacuum lawn debris includes a vacuum unit body having at least first and second inlet openings and at least one flap that can be adjusted to selectively cover and open the second opening. The vacuum unit body includes a flap adjustment member that is located within the second opening and that includes a contact surface that contacts the flap. Preferably, the flap adjustment member has one end that is adapted to receive a vacuum hose. The flap adjustment member can be placed into a first position where it causes the flap to open the second opening and a second position where it permits the flap to cover the second opening. The vacuum hose has a handle that can be attached to the vacuum unit handle permitting the vacuum hose to remain permanently attached to the vacuum unit even when the vacuum hose is not being used.

Abstract: An adjustable mowing and trimming apparatus is presented having a wheel adjust mechanism and trimming assembly. The apparatus includes a housing to which at least two wheels are rotatably mounted at opposite sides of the wheel adjust mechanism. The wheel adjust mechanism includes a pair of wheel brackets having a C-shaped configuration, each of which pivotally attaches to the housing and is provided with an outwardly extending axle for supporting a wheel. A tie rod attaches at respective opposite ends to the wheel brackets. A slotted bracket is attached to the tie rod and movable in response to a movable arm to reorient the wheels on either side of the housing. The trimming assembly is mounted at a front portion of the housing and includes a spindle assembly rotatably attached to a shaft, which is fixedly attached to the housing.

Abstract: A snow thrower comprised of a snow chute and chute deflector includes a joystick controller that may be adjusted between first, second, third and fourth positions. Adjustment of the joystick into one of the four positions causes rotation of the chute in clockwise and counterclockwise direction or causes the deflector to pivot upward or downward respectively. Both, the chute and the deflector are actuated by electric motors.