Abstract: A mower blade includes a mid-section, two sharpened, end sections, and a blade longitudinal axis. The mid-section includes a circular, central hole having a relatively large diameter and being centered on the blade longitudinal axis and first and second slots centered on the blade longitudinal axis. Each of the first and second slots are positioned on opposite sides of the central hole. The mid-section also includes first and second circular, side holes positioned off the blade longitudinal axis and on opposite sides of the central hole. Each of the first and second side holes have a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the central hole. The diameter of the central hole is larger than the width of each of the first and second slots.

Abstract: A vibration reduction apparatus for an engine. The vibration reduction apparatus being incorporated into an engine mounting assembly as a connecting member. The engine mounting assembly including an engine block fastened at its bottom to an engine mounting structure, and the connecting member being connected between the engine block and the engine mounting structure. The connecting member is fastened to both the engine block and the engine mounting structure to further secure the engine to the engine mounting structure and to reduce vibrations caused by the engine on to the engine mounting structure.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a dual transmission vehicle is disclosed. First and second overlaying plates are provided, the first plate having a profiled slot which communicates with parallel slots in the second plate. The slots in the first and second plates are oriented in the direction of rectilinear movement of their respective plate. The first plate is controlled to move in a direction normal to the direction in which the second plate is controlled to move. A pair of rods connects the plates to the transmissions. Each rod has a first end joined to its respective transmission and a second end projecting through the profiled slot in the first plate and through a respective one of the parallel slots in the second plate. Dependent on the relative position of the plates, wheels connected to the transmission are driven at the same or different speeds.

Abstract: A hand truck is provided with at least one wheel which is driven and is steerable. A wheeled accessory is removably connected to the hand truck to be powered and directed in response to operation of the hand truck.

Abstract: A drive shaft rotated by a drive gear is coupled to an epicyclic gear arrangement which is rotatable as a unit about the drive shaft's longitudinal axis, as well as about its own axis. A driven gear is rotatably mounted drive shaft between the drive gear and the gear arrangement. Facing surfaces of the drive and driven gears are provided with annular concavities. A pivotally adjustable friction disk extends between, and in contact with, the concave surfaces. The opposite side of the driven gear is operatively connected to the gear arrangement. When the drive shaft is rotated, the gear arrangement is rotated about its own axis in response to drive shaft rotation and is rotated about the drive shaft's axis in accordance with the position of the friction disk. The speed and direction of the wheel-driving output are thus controlled.

Abstract: A choke and throttle control arrangement for a small engine includes a base plate to which a pair of levers are pivotally joined. One includes a governor spring arm connected to the engine's speed governor, and the other is provided with an arm which serves as a choke actuator. A spring interconnects the two levers to permit them to rotate in unison at low engine speed in response to operator actuation of a throttle control handle. An adjustable stop member is positioned to interrupt the rotation of the governor spring arm when a selected less-than-maximum engine speed is reached. Further throttle control handle advancement permits the choke actuating arm to move to the closed choke position. As the throttle control handle is moved towards a low speed setting, the lever containing the choke actuating arm returns to the position at which the selected less-than-maximum speed was reached.

Abstract: A pinion mounted at the lower end of a steering column engages a rack which is supported for movement laterally of the longitudinal axis of a riding lawnmower. Opposite ends of the rack have respective drag links pivotally mounted thereto. Free ends of the drag links are connected to the ends of respective spindle arms, each of which is rotatable about a vertical axis. Each spindle arm supports a ground-engaging wheel. When a steering wheel joined to the steering column is turned, the pinion displaces the rack. The drag links impart pivotal movement to the spindle arms to cause the wheels to turn in the direction the steering wheel has been turned.

Abstract: A frame channel is provided for the mounting of an engine of a rear engine riding lawn mower. A platform is secured to the frame channel, the platform includes a portion which overlays the engine and which includes an opening therein. A seat-supporting hood normally overlays the opening. The hood is pivotally mounted to the platform whereby when the hood is pivoted to an open position to expose the platform opening, access to the engine is obtained.

Abstract: An engine control circuit for a lawn tractor having a magneto-operated engine. The circuit includes a four-position switch. When in the first position, the engine is stopped. The engine is started in the fourth position. In the third position, the tractor's power take-off can be used only during forward movement of the tractor. When the operator selects the second switch position, the power take-off can be used regardless of the direction of movement of the tractor. An additional switch is included in the circuit to isolate the tractor drive from a reverse selection arrangement.

Abstract: A snow thrower engine carburetor is covered by a heater box provided with a channel through which air passes so as to be heated by the engine's muffler. The heated airstream is changed in direction as it leaves the heater box and moves towards the carburetor whereby moisture carried in the airstream is separated therefrom before the heated air reaches the carburetor.

Abstract: A snow thrower engine cover is provided with spaced interior walls to define a first space for receiving air used to cool the engine, a second space for retaining air heated by the engine's exhaust and a third space between the walls for restricting heat transfer from the second space to the interior wall which defines the first space.

Abstract: A string trimmer head is provided for receiving and retaining separate lengths of string supplied from outside the head. String lengths passing through openings in the periphery of the head are held by clamping members provided within the head. The clamping members are selectively opened by activation of respective slidable members provided on the upper surface of the head in order to release short lengths of previously supplied string and/or to permit the receipt of new string lengths. On release of the slidable members, the respective clamping members move towards one another for clamping purposes under the influence of springs.