Abstract: An improved counterweight apparatus for vehicles includes a counterweight support structure, a set of separately installable and removable counterweights and a retaining plate. Each counterweight is shaped to be received by the counterweight support structure and each counterweight has at least one retaining plate surface. The retaining plate is retained adjacent to the counterweight support structure and can be moved between a retracted position and an advanced position. The retaining plate has a first surface located to register with the retaining plate surface of each counterweight. When a counterweight is placed in the counterweight support structure and the retaining plate is moved to the advanced position, the first surface of the retaining plate engages the retaining plate surface of the counterweight to secure the counterweight support structure. A counterweight can be removed from the counterweight support structure if the retaining plate is moved to the retracted position.

Abstract: A steering lever mechanism for a mower vehicle includes a lever assembly and a base which is fixed to the mower vehicle for mounting the lever assembly to the mower. The lever assembly includes a pivot assembly and a lever portion. The lever portion is pivotably mounted to the pivot assembly for rotation about a longitudinal axis between an inboard position and an outboard position. The pivot assembly is also pivotably mounted to the base for rotation of the pivot bracket portion and the lever portion about a transverse axis between a rear position, an intermediate neutral position and a forward position. A rotation measuring device is associated with the base and the pivot assembly for measuring the forward and rear rotation of the lever assembly. A sensor for activating parking breaks is also associated with the base for sensing the lever assembly when it is in the outboard position.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle frame, a plurality of wheels and a cargo bed assembly. A cargo bed translation mechanism is operable between the vehicle frame and the cargo bed to translate the cargo bed between a range of positions including a first transport position, a plurality of raised position a variety of loading positions. A cargo bed dumping mechanism is operable for tipping the cargo bed to dump the contents of the cargo bed at least from the transport position and the raised positions.

Abstract: A drive wheel steering system for a lawnmower has a handle bar assembly that is pivotal about a vertical axis to provide directional control of the mower and rotatable about a horizontal axis to provide speed control of the mower. A control bar is operable to set a desired forward speed of the mower via engagement of a cam and the linkage assembly providing directional and speed control for the mower.

Abstract: A lawn mower drive arrangement delivers power to a mower deck of a lawn mower vehicle. The drive arrangement includes a prime mover and a drive sheave, at least one mower deck sheave for powering at least one cutting blade and an endless engaging the drive sheave and at least one mower deck sheave. The drive sheave is oriented such that its axis of rotation is generally transverse. Guide pulleys engage the tension side and the slack side of the endless belt between the drive sheave and at least one mower deck sheave. The guide pulleys are positioned such that the endless belt twists by an acute angle substantially less than 60 degrees between the drive sheave and the guide pulleys.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device and a process for conversion of biodegradable waste into organic fertilizer and fuel for heating. The organic fertilizer produced by the disclosed method provides nutrients to plants and at the same time improves moisture retaining capacity of the soil, prevents erosion and leaching.

Abstract: A tilting deck lawn mower including a tractor frame, with drive wheel hydrostatic steering supporting a carrier frame and cutting deck pivotally mounted to the tractor frame on a horizontal axis parallel to the path of movement of the mower. Supported by the carrier frame is a single cutting deck with multiple blades; a pair of castered wheels mounted on the carrier frame, one on each side for ground support; a horizontal leg supporting one of the wheels is pivotally journaled to the carrier frame; a parallelogram linkage connecting the rotation of the supporting leg to the tractor, whereby the supporting leg does not rotate relative to the ground when the carrier frame rotates and an adjustable supporting arms on the carrier frame supporting the cutting deck which arms lift the cutting deck up towards the carrier frame as the carrier frame and cutting deck begin the rotate.

Abstract: A process for the stereoselective preparation of insecticide 6,7,8,9,10,10-hexahalo-1,5,5a,6,9,9a-hexahydro-6,9-methano-2,4,3-benzodioxathiepin-3-oxide of the general formula I: wherein X is a halogen such as fluorine, chlorine or bromine. The process comprises reacting 1,4,5,6,7,7-hexahalo-5-norbornene-2,3-dimethanol of the general formula IV: wherein X is as defined above, with a cyclic sulfite ring forming reagent optionally in an inert organic solvent at ambient to 139° C., wherein the reaction is carried out in the presence of a stereo isomer directing agent comprising an isomer of the compound of the formula I different from the desired isomer. The molar ratio of the stereoisomer directing agent to the dimethanol compound of the formula IV is at least 0.07.

Abstract: A twin-lever drive wheel steering mower for a sitting operator with each lever independently controlling a brake and the speed of each drive wheel through a separate hydraulic pump and motor transmission. A brake assembly positioned on each drive wheel; a pair of pivotally mounted steering levers, each controlling one of the pumps mounted on the mower for longitudinal movement, each steering lever is connected independently to the swash plate of its controlled pump providing variable speeds forward, reverse, and a neutral zero flow position; linkage members connecting the steering levers for each wheel to a brake assembly on each wheel; a pair of T-shaped slots having a lateral leg in a cover plate surrounding each of the steering levers allowing the levers to move laterally outward in the lateral leg to engage the brakes only in the neutral position.

Abstract: A twin-lever drive wheel steering mower for a sitting operator with each lever independently controlling a brake and the speed of each drive wheel through a separate hydraulic pump and motor transmission. A brake positioned on each drive wheel; a pair of pivotally mounted steering levers, each controlling one of said pumps mounted on the mower for longitudinal movement, each steering lever is connected independently to the swash plate of its controlled pump providing variable speeds forward, reverse, and a neutral zero flow position; linkage members connecting the steering levers for each wheel to said brake on each wheel; a pair of T-shaped slots having a lateral leg in a cover plate surrounding each of the steering levers allowing the levers to move laterally outward in the lateral leg to engage the brakes only in the neutral position.

Abstract: A gun for spraying a product such as paint supplied under constant pressure to the gun, includes a structure for the pulsed spraying of the product that includes a nozzle and an oscillating membrane associated with an intermittent closure device for supplying the product toward the nozzle. A control for the pulsed spray structure of the product is provided. A closure mechanism with a plunger is secured to the membrane and passes through the membrane to be connected to the control.

Abstract: Fibers to be introduced into a mixture are initially pelletized or granulated at a compacting station. The pellets or granules are then transported to a user station where they are stored, and then re-fiberized as required ready for use and introduced into a mixer where they are mixed with other ingredients to provide a mixture with the required properties which is then ready for delivery.

Abstract: An articulating window assembly for a motor vehicle and a method of manufacturing thereof is disclosed, the window assembly comprising a windowpane, a hinge attachment means such as one or more mounting studs for securing the windowpane to a support structure. Preferably the hinge is composed of a unitary elastomeric material such as reaction injection molded polyurethane, having a first surface lying against the inner surface in a closed position. A first portion of such first surface is bonded to the windowpane. A second portion not bonded to the windowpane is spaced therefrom in an open position. Preferably the elastomeric hinge partially encapsulates mounting studs or the like. As the articulating window assembly pivots from a closed position to an open position there is local disengagement of the hinge member from the windowpane at the second surface portion, thereby reducing the stresses on the mounting studs with respect to the hinge.

Abstract: A multi-blade mower deck having a center right and left blade chambers, which are partially connected to each other, each blade chamber including a rotary mounted cutting blade with lifting sails thereon for rotating and lifting the air into each blade chamber, a front skirt defining portions of said blade chamber; a continuous rear skirt wrapping around rear portions of each of said blade chambers; and a fan chamber positioned above the cutting deck and concentrically aligned over the center blade chamber and having an opening into the center fan chamber including concentrically mounted impeller blades for driving air and clipping from the fan chamber through a exhaust passage positioned over the cutting deck.

Abstract: A window assembly has a latch assembly of enhanced strength. The latch assembly is mounted to the frame of the window assembly. A latch member is biased by a torsion spring towards a non-latching position, a latch-lock member is biased by a second torsion spring towards a non-locking position. The latch member engages a striker pin mounted to a base wall to secure the window in its normal, closed position. The latch-lock, latch member and striker pin are held together by the torsion springs and a series of detents on the latch-lock member and the latch member. A release bar is hingedly mounted to the latch assembly and moveable from a normal, closed, non-releasing position to an open, releasing position. Operation of the release bar forces a connecting means to actuate a trip lever, which in turn forces a latch-lock to rotate, sequentially disengaging the latch-lock detents from the latch member detents, thereby disengaging the latch member detent from the striker pin, allowing the window to open.

Abstract: A modular insert trim unit is provided for a motor vehicle door. The modular insert trim unit includes a one-piece molded plastic door cavity insert having a passenger-side aesthetic trim surface. The door cavity insert preferably is a hollow body structure formed by reaction injection molding and having unitary mounting bosses for structurally mounting functional door hardware and for mounting the modular insert trim unit to structural componentry of the door assembly. The modular insert trim unit preferably is preassembled as a self-supporting unit which can be inserted conveniently into a door cavity defined at least in part by an outer panel of the door assembly. Window regulator hardware, door lock and handle hardware, are thus installed into a motor vehicle door as an integrated unit with the door cavity insert, which further provides the aesthetic passenger-side trim surface generally required for motor vehicle doors.

Abstract: An encapsulated plastic glazing window module for a motor vehicle has a glazing assembly formed from a transparent plastic glazing substrate and a frit film positioned on at least a portion of the glazing substrate, an encapsulation frame encapsulating the glazing assembly and attachment means such as mounting studs and/or adhesives for securing the glazing assembly to the motor vehicle. In certain preferred embodiments the transparent plastic substrate is a polycarbonate, and the frit film is a semi-rigid sheet having a transparent polycarbonate carrier web with a non-transparent ink or dye. In certain embodiments the frit film is positioned on an interior side of the plastic substrate and the non-transparent portion covers the attachment means from exterior view. An abrasion resistant coating or hardcoat such as an organically modified ceramic is preferably to each surface of the glazing assembly, preferably by dip coating. The encapsulation material is preferably a PVC or similar thermoplastic.

Abstract: The invention is a self-propelled drivewheel steering power mower which can be operated in a standing or sitting position, including a pair of variable flow hydrostatic pumps with tiltable swash plates, each of which drives one of a pair of drivewheels. A vertically mounted steering shaft is rotatably supported on the mower for rotation about an axis concentric with said shaft; and a T-shaped steering handle bar is rotatably journaled to the end of said steering shaft for twisting about an axis concentric with said handle bar.

Abstract: An easy entry seat track assembly with single point memory comprises a lower track assembly and an upper track assembly, slidably engaging the lower track assembly. A latch releasably secures the upper track assembly to the lower track assembly. Operation of a towel bar or the like is provided for comfort adjustment of the upper track assembly relative to the lower track assembly. Also, single point memory is provided for moving the latch from a latching position to an unlatching position, holding in the unlatching position temporarily and returning the latch to the latching position when the upper seat track is moved to a predetermined position. The single point memory comprises a cam plate mounted on the upper track assembly. A memory mechanism attached to the latch is contacted by the cam plate as it rotates from an open position to a memory position, moving the latch to the unlatching position.

Abstract: A latch mechanism, particularly for securing a pivoting member of a motor vehicle seat with respect to a fixed member is disclosed, comprising, a latch plate having a tooth, a notch flanked by a front ramp and a rear ramp, and a rear stop, and a cam which is releasably engageable with the latch plate, the cam having a nose, a front face, a contact face and a heel. The cam is pivotable from a non-latching position to a normal latching position. In the latching position the contact face of the cam is urged against the rear ramp of the latch plate and the heel avoids contacting the rear stop. In response to a sudden change in velocity in a first direction the heel of the cam contacts the rear stop to resist movement of the cam the non-latching position. Preferably the contact face forms and angle with the back ramp of about 10 to 20 degrees, and the front face and the front ramp have generally equivalent curved surfaces.