Abstract: Control method and apparatus for a lawn mower or a lawn and garden tractor that includes a programmable controller for monitoring a mower/tractor status. The controller includes an interface for monitoring inputs relating to a status of the mower/tractor and controlling outputs that regulate operation of the mower/tractor. The controller also includes a memory for storing instructions to implement a control over operation of the mower/tractor. The instructions include instructions for determining a safety status condition based on sensed inputs and outputting a signal from the interface of the controller that inhibits operation of a lawn mower/tractor motor or engine in response to a determination of the safety status condition.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission with an integral actuator for a vehicle having an engine and a frame. The assembly includes a transmission housing for connection to a vehicle frame, a shaft for coupling the hydrostatic transmission to an output of a vehicle engine, a pump driven by the shaft and an actuator operatively coupled to the pump that is attached to the transmission housing.

Abstract: A self contained radio frequency identification integrated circuit (RFIDIC) switch. The RFIDIC switch includes a switch housing, a radio frequency identification integrated circuit enclosed in the switch housing and an actuator extending into the switch housing. The RFIDIC is powered by a radio frequency carrier signal. The actuator is movable to a first position and to a second position. The radio frequency identification integrated circuit transmits a signal when said actuator is in one of the positions. Movement of the actuator to the other position alters said signal.

Abstract: A capacitive, operator-sensing circuit for mobile power equipment includes a charge-transfer touch sensor that is electrically coupled to at least one sensing electrode mounted on a gripping surface of the mobile power equipment. The charge-transfer touch sensor is preferably a digital integrated circuit that operates to change an output voltage between two levels or states (logic high and logic low) depending upon a quantity of charge sensed on the at least one sensing electrode, the sensed charge on the at least one sensing electrode changing with the presence or absence of an operator's hand on the at least one sensing electrode. The charge-transfer touch sensor outputs a DC voltage signal, maintaining a given output voltage level until the sensor senses a predetermined change in sensed charge on the sensing electrode. The capacitive operator-sensing circuit additionally includes coupling circuitry coupled between the charge-transfer touch sensor and a component of the equipment.

Abstract: A Hall effect safety switch assembly for de-activating a motor vehicle if a user is not positioned on a vehicle seat. The assembly includes a switch frame for mounting the assembly, a magnet and a hall effect sensor mounted to the switch frame in a spaced apart relationship, and a vane that moves in response to the presence of a vehicle operator on the seat that causes the Hall effect sensor to provide an inhibit signal that prevents an engine from running.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to three pole plunger switch assembly. The assembly includes a three pole plunger switch and a mating connector. The plunger switch includes a switch housing for supporting components of the plunger switch and a plunger extending into an interior region of the switch housing and being actuatable from outside the switch housing wherein the plunger adapted to move between a normal position and an actuated position. The plunger switch further includes first, second and third electrically conductive wiper contacts mounted to the plunger for movement with the plunger and first, second and third sets of terminals extending into the switch housing interior region. Respective terminals of the first and second terminal sets are substantially aligned. The terminals of the third terminal set are perpendicular to the terminals of the first and second terminal sets.

Abstract: A Hall effect safety switch assembly for de-activating a motor vehicle if a user is not positioned on a vehicle seat. The assembly includes a switch frame for mounting the assembly, a magnet and a hall effect sensor mounted to the switch frame in a spaced apart relationship, and a vane that moves in response to the presence of a vehicle operator on the seat that causes the Hall effect sensor to provide an inhibit signal that prevents an engine from running.

Abstract: A timing circuit for providing an output to a microcontroller indicating whether an engine is operating, wherein the engine has a magneto. The circuit includes a triac coupled to the magneto for switching output generating circuitry between an engine on condition to an engine off condition in response to an operating condition of the engine. The output generating circuitry provides a signal indicating that the engine is not operating to the microcontroller when the circuitry is in an engine off condition and provides a signal indicating that the engine is operating to the microcontroller when the circuitry is in an engine on condition.

Abstract: An engine with an integral actuator for a vehicle having an implement needing control. The engine includes a crank shaft, and a pump in a housing and an actuator that extends from the housing. The pump is operably connected to the crank shaft to produce a flow of fluid, such as oil, from the pump to the actuator. A valve is operably connected to the pump or the actuator to selectively move the actuator.

Abstract: A pressureless infeed conveyor table for forming a predetermined spacing between articles on a conveyor in order to create a uniform column for a packaging process comprises reciprocating carriages that are driven directly by a reversible servo-motor. By directly driving the carriages, the weight of the accompanying sprocket assembly is decreased and the speed at which the carriages move is increased to improve efficiency and processing time.

Abstract: A low profile, two pole, plunger-type safety switch and connector assembly includes a switch housing and switch components are supported within the housing interior region. An actuator extends exteriorly though the housing opening and is moveable along a linear path of travel between two positions, one position of the actuator corresponding to an undepressed position and a second position of the actuator corresponding to a depressed position. Terminals of the switch assembly terminate in conductive male contacts extending through a side wall of the switch housing substantially perpendicular to the path of travel of the actuator. The connector assembly includes a connector housing supporting four female terminals sized to snugly receive respective different ones of the four male contacts when the connector housing engages the switch housing. Extending arms of a flexible, electrically conductive shorting member contact a center two of the female terminals.

Abstract: A switch apparatus having a switch housing supporting conductive switch terminals within a switch housing interior. A switch actuator is supported by the switch housing for movement along a travel path to control an actuation state of the switch by selectively shorting the conductive switch terminals. A structure allows the switch housing to be mounted into one of two different thickness mounting panels. The structure includes first and second retainer posts coupled to the switch housing at separate spaced locations along a longitudinal axis of the switch housing. Flexible first leg pairs and second leg pairs extend laterally from the respective retainer posts. The legs can be flexed away from a first position and, after insertion into a panel opening, return to the first position.

Abstract: An ignition switch is disclosed. The switch includes a housing defining an interior region, a cover affixed to an open back end of the housing and supporting a plurality of electrical terminals. Each terminal includes an end portion extending into the housing interior region. The switch also includes a switch assembly supported by the housing and at least partially disposed within the interior region, the switch assembly being rotatable about an axis of rotation between at least two positions. The switch assembly includes first and second conductive contact plates, the second contact plate being moveable with respect to the first contact plate along the axis of rotation. In at least one of the switch positions, the first contact plate bridges ends of the two terminals and the second contact plate bridges ends of two terminals different that the two terminals bridged by the first contact plate.

Abstract: A trim switch for mounting in an opening in an outboard motor cowl is disclosed. The trim switch includes an outer housing which overlies a rocker assembly. The rocker assembly includes a rocker and a rocker support housing. The rocker support housing defines an interior region in which terminals and a terminal bridging contact are disposed. A cup-shaped waterproof boot overlies the rocker assembly and is sandwiched between the outer housing and the rocker assembly. The boot prevents water from leaking between the rocker and the rocker support housing and provides a positive seal between the outer housing the rocker assembly.

Abstract: A switch housing having elongated side walls and an end wall that defines a housing interior. Conductive switch terminals supported within the housing interior extend outside the switch housing for connection to an external circuit. A switch actuator extends through the end wall of the switch housing and is supported by the switch housing for movement along a travel path to control an actuation state of said switch by selectively shorting the conductive switch terminals. A housing cover encloses the housing interior and includes openings to allow the terminals to extend from the housing interior to connect to the external circuit. The cover supports the switch housing in a selected one of two different orientations on a support surface. A retainer coupled to the housing cover has a retaining surface spaced from one wall of the housing cover by a gap that permits the retainer to slide over a tab coupled to the support surface to which the switch housing is mounted.

Abstract: A safety switch assembly for deactivating a motor vehicle if a user is not positioned on a vehicle seat. The assembly includes a base for mounting a switch, a cover that moves in response to the presence of a vehicle operator on the seat, and an actuator that moves with the cover to open and close switch contacts inside a switch housing. The base is constructed to pass through a cutout in a vehicle seat pan and includes extensions that also pass through the cutout. The projections are inhibited from movement back through the cutout after the base is rotated from an orientation that allows the projections to be inserted through the cutout to an orientation in which the projections overlie the seat pan.

Abstract: A switch comprises a plunger, a retainer, a pair of terminals and an electrically-conducting wiper contact having a curved or bent middle portion defining two oppositely directed legs on either side of the middle portion. The retainer cooperates with the plunger to carry the wiper contact as the plunger moves between a normal and an actuated position. The terminals have facing contact surfaces for biased engagement with the portions of the legs exposed by the plunger and retainer to form an electrical path between the terminals when the plunger is in the actuated position. The plunger and the retainer are coupled together by arms which project from either the plunger or the retainer. The wiper contact is secured between the plunger and retainer without the need for forming a central loop in the wiper contact for engagement by the plunger.

Abstract: A safety switch assembly for de-activating a motor vehicle if a user is not positioned on a vehicle seat. The assembly includes a base for mounting a switch, a cover that moves in response to the presence of a vehicle operator on the seat, and an actuator that moves with the cover to open and close switch contacts inside a switch housing. The base is constructed to pass through a cutout in a vehicle seat pan and includes extensions that also pass through the cutout. The projections are inhibited from movement back through the cutout after the base is rotated from an orientation that allows the projections to be inserted through the cutout to an orientation in which the projections overlie the seat pan.