Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making and using tools, for example concrete cutting blades, may use laminations. They may also include inserts, such as structural inserts, damping inserts and fluid flow elements. Fluid flow elements may include a tube, a transition element including an inlet fitting, a fluid pressure containment structure inserted into the channel of the blade, an added material resistant to effects of the fluid including plastics, coatings and films, and other structures. Additional nozzle structures may be included. Methods and apparatus for making and using tools including concrete cutting blades having improved damping characteristics may include inserts, plugs and other structures, including those made from materials softer or more ductile than the tool material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making and using tools, for example concrete cutting blades, may include fluid flow elements within a channel of the blade. Fluid flow elements may include a tube, a transition element including an inlet fitting, a fluid pressure containment structure inserted into the channel of the blade, an added material resistant to effects of the fluid including plastics, coatings and films, and other structures. Additional nozzle structures may be included. Methods and apparatus for making and using tools including concrete cutting blades having improved damping characteristics may include inserts, plugs and other structures, including those made from materials softer or more ductile than the tool material.

Abstract: A powered blower/vacuum unit includes a base portion having a housing and a power air-moving device within the base portion. A tube is provided that is formed by a first manufacturing operation, such as a blow molding process. The tube extends a relatively large distance away from the housing and air flows through the tube along a relatively large distance. A coupler is also included for coupling the tube to the housing. The coupler is separately formed by a second, different manufacturing operation, such as an injection molding process. The coupler includes a plurality of one-way snap-in features configured to engage a plurality of receiver features located on the tube to non-removably attach the coupler to the tube. The housing can also include at least one male component and the coupler can include at least one complementary female component for securing the coupler to the housing.

Abstract: A mower is provided that includes a height-adjuster assembly that adjustably connects the ground engaging wheel to the housing of the mower at an adjustable height from the ground. The height-adjuster assembly includes a bracket fixed to the housing, an arm, a sleeve, a wheel mount, a pin, and a handle. The arm is rotatably mounted relative to the housing and the bracket about a pivot point. The sleeve is fixed to the arm for rotation with the arm relative to the housing and the bracket about the pivot point. A handle overlays the pin and the sleeve. The handle is configured to be grasped by a user for movement along a first direction to move the pin from a first position into a second position. Upon reaching the second position, the handle and the sleeve can be rotated to rotate the ground engaging wheel relative to the housing.

Abstract: A seal structure is provided for an internal combustion engine. The seal structure can include a main seal link, at least one fastener seal connected to the main seal link and adapted to surround at least a portion of a crankcase fastener hole, and an enlarged bearing seal operatively connected to the fastener seal and adapted to be in sealing abutment with at least a portion of an outer race of a bearing. The engine can include a crankcase formed of a first section and a second section retained together with the seal structure located therebetween for providing a seal for the crankcase.

Abstract: A shift interlock mechanism for automatically shifting a sod cutter into a low gear when a cutting blade is lowered into the ground and automatically raising the cutting blade when the sod cutter is shifted into a high gear. The mechanism may include a cutting blade lever. The cutting blade lever may include a cam member which engages the shift lever creating cam action when the cutting blade handle is raised to the up position. When the cutting blade lever is moved to lower the cutting blade, the cam member moves the shift lever into a low gear. When the cutting blade handle is in the up position and the cutting blade has been lowered, the shift lever will oppose the cam member and create an opposite cam action, thereby raising the blade, when the shifter is moved into a high gear.

Abstract: A grass mower for cutting grass and collecting cut grass includes a main body, two handle brackets, a handle, a collector element, and two collector brackets. The main body is for cutting grass. The two handle brackets are oppositely mounted on lateral sides of the main body. The handle is coupled to the two handle brackets. The collector element is for collecting the cut grass. The collector element is defined by a frame, and the frame includes at least two limb elements located on substantially opposite sides of the collector element. The two collector brackets are respectively mounted to the two handle brackets and are configured to respectively accommodate the limb elements, wherein the collector element is mounted on the mower free from the handle.

Abstract: A mower is provided that includes a height-adjuster assembly that adjustably connects the ground engaging wheel to the housing of the mower at an adjustable height from the ground. The height-adjuster assembly includes a bracket fixed to the housing, an arm, a sleeve, a wheel mount, a pin, and a handle. The arm is rotatably mounted relative to the housing and the bracket about a pivot point. The sleeve is fixed to the arm for rotation with the arm relative to the housing and the bracket about the pivot point. A handle overlays the pin and the sleeve. The handle is configured to be grasped by a user for movement along a first direction to move the pin from a first position into a second position. Upon reaching the second position, the handle and the sleeve can be rotated to rotate the ground engaging wheel relative to the housing.

Abstract: A self propelled concrete saw compensates for blade cutting resistance, for example by adjusting a movable drive assembly. An actuator may be used to move the drive assembly, for example through the operation of a control switch by an operator.

Abstract: A fuel enrichment device includes a body forming a first fuel chamber and a second fuel chamber. The second fuel chamber is adapted to contain a predetermined amount of enriching fuel to be provided to an engine. A normally open valve connects the first fuel chamber to the second fuel chamber. A normally closed valve for controls the provision of enriching fuel to the engine. The normally closed valve is open whenever the normally open valve is closed.

Abstract: A seal structure is provided for an internal combustion engine. The seal structure can include a main seal link, at least one fastener seal connected to the main seal link and adapted to surround at least a portion of a crankcase fastener hole, and an enlarged bearing seal operatively connected to the fastener seal and adapted to be in sealing abutment with at least a portion of an outer race of a bearing. The engine can include a crankcase formed of a first section and a second section retained together with the seal structure located therebetween for providing a seal for the crankcase.

Abstract: A drill assembly, for example for drilling or coring concrete, has a drill column formed from a composite material. A track for a wall saw or for supporting other structures for movement along the track is formed from a composite material. A composite column, rail or other longitudinally extending composite structure having a hollow interior portion includes an internal support structure.

Abstract: A bar adjustment assembly for a chain saw includes a shaft, a bar adjustment pin that is journalled for rotation relative to the shaft, and a pin alignment spring that biases the pin toward an engagement position. A void is provided for accommodating the pin as it is rotated away from the engagement position by a guide bar that has been incorrectly attached.

Abstract: A portable saw has a depth or blade lowering control and an adjustable stop for selecting the maximum depth of the blade to which the blade can be lowered.

Abstract: A flexible guard to protect and to block contact with a plurality of moveable parts of a machine, such as a riding mower or the like may include a piece of flexible material. The flexible guard may also include a first support to attach the piece of flexible material to a first member of the machine or to a chassis of the riding mower. The flexible guard may further include a second support to attach the piece of flexible material to a second member of the machine or a mower deck of the riding mower. The first member or chassis may be moveable relative to the second member or mower deck. The first support provides substantially complete contact between the piece of flexible material and a contour of the first member or chassis and the second support provides substantially complete contact between the piece of flexible material and a contour of the second member or mower deck to protect and to substantially completely block contact with the plurality of moveable parts within the flexible guard.

Abstract: A powered blower/vacuum unit includes a base portion having a housing and a power air-moving device within the base portion. A tube is provided that is formed by a first manufacturing operation, such as a blow molding process. The tube extends a relatively large distance away from the housing and air flows through the tube along a relatively large distance. A coupler is also included for coupling the tube to the housing. The coupler is separately formed by a second, different manufacturing operation, such as an injection molding process. The coupler includes a plurality of one-way snap-in features configured to engage a plurality of receiver features located on the tube to non-removably attach the coupler to the tube. The housing can also include at least one male component and the coupler can include at least one complementary female component for securing the coupler to the housing.

Abstract: A powered blower/vacuum unit includes a base portion having a housing and a power air-moving device for creating an air stream. A generally rigid, elongate tube is adapted to permit at least the air stream to flow through the tube. The tube includes a fluid inlet disposed at a first end, a fluid outlet disposed at a second end, and at least one accordion relief structure disposed generally between the first and second ends and adapted to act as a resilient shock absorber. In one example, the accordion relief structure includes at least one internal rib and at least one intermediate flexible section located adjacent to each internal rib. In another example, a coupler is adapted to be removably attached to the housing and non-removably attached to the tube. In another example, a portion of the accordion relief structure is adapted to act as a positive stop for the coupler.

Abstract: A centrifugal blower includes a main scroll portion and a scroll opening through which air is discharged. A transitional portion conducts air discharged through the scroll opening away from the blower. The transitional portion includes an internal passageway that provides for the smooth passage of air essentially without causing any abrupt changes in the direction of the flow of the air through the passageway. An impeller assembly can be mounted within the main scroll portion for rotation so as to circulate the air in a spiral path within the main scroll portion and force the air through the scroll opening and the passageway in the transitional portion. The impeller assembly can have a platen that has a perimeter and a plurality of impeller blades mounted at the platen for rotation with the platen. Each impeller blade can have a distal end that extends beyond the perimeter of the platen.

Abstract: A powered unit for performing blower operations or vacuuming operations is provided. The powered unit includes a blower tube, a barrier for preventing unintentional contact with moving parts in the powered unit, and a retention feature. The retention feature is located within the blower tube and the retention feature is configured for securing the barrier within the blower tube. The retention feature is included of an annular groove in the blower tube. The barrier is secured in the blower tube by a snap engagement with the retention feature. The barrier can also be deformed as it is inserted into the blower tube. The barrier then returns to its non-deformed shape when the barrier is secured in the retention feature in the blower tube.

Abstract: A chain saw includes a retaining assembly for a tensioning arrangement for adjusting the tension of the cutting chain in the chain saw. The retaining assembly includes a rotatable knob for operation with the chain saw's engine chassis, clutch cover, and guide bar and is rotatable about an axis of rotation between a tightening position for holding the guide bar in place and a loosening position enabling the guide bar to be repositioned whereby the tension in the cutting chain is adjusted. A locking mechanism is provided for locking and unlocking the knob. When the locking mechanism is in a locking position, moveable engagement points of the locking mechanism extended beyond the confines of the knob and engage fixed engagement points. When the locking mechanism is in the unlocking position, the moveable engagement points, having moved inwardly of the confines of the knob, are disengaged from the fixed engagement points.