Abstract: A drive assembly for a vehicle is provided, the vehicle having a frame, a prime mover and a pair of driven wheels. The drive assembly includes a transmission having a housing in which a pump and motor may be disposed. The transmission may be pivotally mounted to the frame and movable between at least two positions. The transmission may include an internal reduction gear assembly driven by a motor output shaft, a transmission output shaft disposed generally parallel to the motor output shaft and driven by the internal reduction gear assembly, the transmission output shaft extending from the transmission at both ends thereof. Each end of the transmission output shaft may drive an external reduction assembly supported in part by the frame, and the external reduction assemblies power at least a driven wheel of the vehicle.

Abstract: A drive and control system for a lawn tractor includes one or more sensors configured to detect an operational parameter of an aspect of the vehicle, and one or more controllers for controlling one or more components of the vehicle and for receiving data output from the one or more sensors. The controller communicates with the one or more sensors and one or more vehicle modules configured to control one or more vehicle components via a CAN Bus network. The controller may be coupled to an IMU mounted on the vehicle for dynamically controlling the vehicle on sloped terrain, for example. The controller may be accessible from a remote device over a wireless network for communicating setup, diagnostic, and performance data to and from the vehicle.

Abstract: A drive and control system for a lawn tractor includes a CAN-Bus network, a vehicle controller, a pair of hydrostatic or electric transaxles controlled by respective electronic drive controllers, and one or more steering and drive input devices coupled to respective sensor(s) for sensing user steering and drive inputs. The vehicle controller communicates with one or more vehicle sensors and one or more vehicle controllers that control one or more vehicle components via the CAN-Bus network. The vehicle controller processes the user's steering and drive inputs and posts on the CAN-Bus network digital drive signals configured to obtain the desired speed and direction of motion of the lawn tractor. The electronic drive controllers convert the digital drive signals to appropriate signals for driving the hydrostatic transaxles or the electric transaxles, as equipped, based on tunable motion parameters to obtain the desired speed and direction of motion of the lawn tractor.

Abstract: A drive and control system for a lawn tractor includes a CAN-Bus network, a vehicle controller, a pair of hydrostatic or electric transaxles controlled by respective electronic drive controllers, and one or more steering and drive input devices coupled to respective sensor(s) for sensing user steering and drive inputs. The vehicle controller communicates with one or more vehicle sensors and one or more vehicle controllers that control one or more vehicle components via the CAN-Bus network. The vehicle controller processes the user's steering and drive inputs and posts on the CAN-Bus network digital drive signals configured to obtain the desired speed and direction of motion of the lawn tractor. The electronic drive controllers convert the digital drive signals to appropriate signals for driving the hydrostatic transaxles or the electric transaxles, as equipped, based on tunable motion parameters to obtain the desired speed and direction of motion of the lawn tractor.

Abstract: A vent for a hydraulic drive device disposed in a housing includes a vent body having a closed first side, a second side having an opening, and a sidewall. An internal passageway in the vent body connects the second side opening to the atmosphere. The vent body is removably disposed in a vent opening in one of two positions. When the first side of the vent body is inserted into the vent opening, the closed first side prevents communication between the sump and atmosphere, and when the second side of the vent body is inserted into the vent opening, the internal passageway and the second side opening permit communication between the internal sump and atmosphere.

Abstract: A hydraulic pressure compensating pump assembly having a fluid flow regulation mechanism is provided. The fluid flow regulation mechanism is set to an initial stroked position that can be adjusted to accommodate various applications. The fluid flow regulation mechanism includes a biasing means that allows the pump to de-stroke in response to a pressure demand increase and to return to the initial pressure set point when pressure demand subsides sufficiently. Different spring types and spring rates can be specified to achieve a desired response to pressure demand fluctuations within a particular hydraulic circuit.

Abstract: A drive and control system is provided for use on a zero turn vehicle, and includes first and second hydraulic ground drives independently driving a set of driven wheels. Each ground drive has an electric actuator to control the output thereof. An operator mechanism generates a drive signal corresponding to a neutral drive position or to one of a plurality of non-neutral drive positions of the operator mechanism, and a steering signal corresponding to a neutral steering position or to one of a plurality of non-neutral steering positions of the operator mechanism. Sensors generate signals corresponding to sensed roll, pitch and yaw parameters. A stability control module includes a processor for receiving the drive and steering signals and for providing output signals to the electric actuators.

Abstract: An electric actuator for use with a variable drive apparatus is disclosed herein. The electric actuator has a rotary design incorporating a magnetic field sensor chip disposed on a circuit board to sense the rotational orientation of the magnetic field of a cylindrical diametric magnet positioned on the end of a control shaft of a hydrostatic drive unit. The circuit board includes a microprocessor, electric motor power control and CAN Bus communication capability. The gear housing of the electric actuator features an integral end cap to accommodate mounting of the electric motor to enable a compact design.

Abstract: A reduction drive has an electric motor and an output hub rotatable with respect to a motor housing. A planetary gear reduction assembly is disposed entirely within an internal volume formed by the output hub and includes a first ring gear fixed to and rotating with the output hub, a second ring gear fixed to a portion of the main housing, a sun gear driven by the motor shaft, and gears mounted on a carrier assembly and driven by the sun gear. Each planet gear has a first stage gear driving the first ring gear, and a second stage gear engaged to the second ring gear.

Abstract: A utility vehicle having operator selectable onboard and remote controls also includes a prime mover and a power generating device driven thereby, first and second electric wheel motors, and a drive controller in communication with the wheel motors to control the output thereof and in communication with the onboard controls. A radio control receiver is in communication with the drive controller and with a radio control transmitter having steering and speed controls. The vehicle includes a control mode switch having a first position where the drive controller receives steering and speed control inputs from the onboard controls, and a second position where the drive controller receives steering and speed control inputs from the radio control transmitter.

Abstract: A check valve for use with a hydraulic drive apparatus includes a check ball disposed in a cage portion for engaging a valve seat to close the valve. The cage portion has a plurality of flexible ribs composed of a flexible material which permits the check ball to be inserted into to ball retaining area during assembly and to be retained in the ball area after assembly. A filter housing connected to a mounting member has a pair of openings formed in a first surface, and a pair of deformable lips surrounding each opening. A filter screen permits hydraulic fluid to enter a filter housing from a sump. A pair of check valves are disposed in a pair of check valve ports. An external surface of each check valve is engaged to one of the deformable lips to sealingly engage the check valve to the filter housing.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission housing has first and second axle housings pivotably connected to opposite ends of the transmission housing and a stand-on platform may be connected to the assembly. A first gear train in the first axle housing drives a first axle having a first axis of rotation. A second gear train is disposed in the second axle housing drives a second axle having a second axis of rotation collinear with the first axis of rotation. The axle housings are both capable of pivoting about the transmission housing about a third axis that is parallel to the first and second axes. The first and second axle housings may also be separately rigidly or flexibly connected to one another. This assembly permits adjustment of the ground heights of the platform with respect to a vehicle frame.

Abstract: A generator and clutch assembly is disclosed for use in a vehicle and includes a rotatable input, an electric generator in a generator housing, a clutch rotor by driven by the rotatable input, and an electric clutch and brake assembly which may be integrated with the generator housing. A field coil may be mounted to an external surface of the generator housing. The generator and clutch may be offset and connected by means of a transfer system having a transfer housing, wherein a field coil is mounted to an external surface of the transfer housing.

Abstract: A zero turn radius vehicle with a single steered wheel may include a pair of power transfer mechanisms driving a pair of wheels, an operator control mechanism for controlling the steering, speed and direction of the vehicle and a controller in communication with the control mechanism. A steerable wheel is located adjacent the front of the vehicle frame, on a first side of the vehicle frame and an electric actuator is connected to the controller for steering the front steerable wheel. A second, non-steerable front caster wheel is located on a second side of the vehicle frame. A damper is connected to the non-steered wheel to dampen rotation of the non-steered wheel about a non-steered wheel pivot axis The controller controls the pair of power transfer mechanisms and the electric actuator based on operator input.

Abstract: An electronic drive control system for a vehicle having a right and left drive wheels and a pair of actuators engaged to respective control arms of the associated variable drive units. A pair of speed sensors are in electrical communication with the respective variable drive units and a controller. The controller receives signals from the speed sensors and determines at least one operational output of each variable drive unit based on the received signals, calculates adjustments to at least one of the actuators and adjusts at least one of the actuators to move the respective control arm of the drive unit to effectuate the desired operational output of the variable drive units.

Abstract: A method is provided for generating a three-dimensional geographical map of a lawn using a mower equipped with sensors for monitoring geographic location, pitch and roll, comprising the steps of: periodically acquiring position, pitch and roll data as the lawn is mowed; transmitting the geographic location, pitch and roll data to a computer processor; and processing the geographic location, pitch and roll data to generate the map. The method is useful for enhancing mowing efficiency and managing the activities of a fleet of mower units.

Abstract: A swivel fitting adaptor having an elastomeric insert, and a swivel fitting assembly using the adaptor and insert, are disclosed herein. The swivel fitting assembly includes retention and sealing features that allow a barbed fitting, such as a tube, hose or vent fitting, to be installed by hand either before or after the adaptor and insert are installed in a threaded port. It is suitable for use in a variety of low to medium pressure fluid passage and venting applications.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transaxle with a vent assembly disposed in a port. The vent assembly may include a main fitting having a bottom member having an inner surface forming a floor and a fitting sidewall extending upwardly from the periphery to encircle the floor. A cap is secured to the sidewall and the fitting sidewall, cap and floor form a basin. A valve is disposed in the fitting sidewall. The assembly also includes cylindrical lower section extending downwardly from the bottom member to form a passage between the opening and a sump. A tower extends upwardly from the floor to the vent cap and surrounds an opening in the floor. A passage formed in the tower member to permit fluid flow between the opening and the basin.

Abstract: A compact generator and coolant pump assembly may be used on a vehicle having a fluid reservoir and a plurality of electrical components disposed on the vehicle. The generator includes a rotor and stator disposed in a housing and the rotor is driven by a rotatable input member to generate an electrical output for use by one or more components of the vehicle. The assembly also includes a circulating pump connected to a lower portion of a generator housing and driven by the rotatable input member. A clutch assembly driven by the rotatable input member and engaged to and driving a clutch output may be located adjacent to the upper housing of the generator.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission disposed in a housing includes a transmission input shaft and a transmission output shaft. A power take off is disposed in the housing and includes a power take off output shaft and a clutch/brake mechanism having a clutch input hub engaged to and driven by the transmission input shaft, a cage engaged to the clutch input hub, a brake stator and a brake rotor and carrier being selectively engageable with the cage and alternately selectively engageable with the brake stator. An output hub is rotatably driven by the brake rotor; and a biasing member is disposed between the cage and the brake rotor to bias the brake rotor to engagement with the brake stator.