Abstract: A safety mechanism for a turf aerator having a frame and an engine with a governor that generally prevents the turf aerator from operating at full power unless the safety mechanism is engaged. A blocking mechanism and a manual actuation device are mounted to the frame. The manual actuation device is in mechanical communication with the blocking mechanism. The blocking mechanism urges the governor toward a loaded position and the engine operates at a generally low power when the governor is in the loaded position.

Abstract: A safety mechanism for a turf aerator having a frame and an engine with a governor that generally prevents the turf aerator from operating at full power unless the safety mechanism is engaged. A blocking mechanism and a manual actuation device are mounted to the frame. The manual actuation device is in mechanical communication with the blocking mechanism. The blocking mechanism urges the governor toward a loaded position and the engine operates at a generally low power when the governor is in the loaded position.

Abstract: A safety mechanism for a turf aerator having a frame and an engine with a governor that generally prevents the turf aerator from operating at full power unless the safety mechanism is engaged. A blocking mechanism and a manual actuation device are mounted to the frame. The manual actuation device is in mechanical communication with the blocking mechanism. The blocking mechanism urges the governor toward a loaded position and the engine operates at a generally low power when the governor is in the loaded position.

Abstract: A lawn sweeper for collecting debris from a surface includes a frame. At least one wheel is rotatable with respect to the frame for movement of the lawn sweeper along the surface. A collection bin is engaged with the frame for collecting the debris. A brush assembly has at least one brush for urging the debris from the surface into the collection bin. A reducing mechanism reduces a volume of the debris within the collection bin.

Abstract: A turf aerator is provided with three aligned aerator shafts having aerator devices mounted thereon. The innermost shaft is mounted in a frame for free-willing operation and the two outer shafts are each connected to a motor through selectively controlled hydraulic pumps which in turn are connected to hydraulic motors for driving the outermost shafts selectively or simultaneously with the innermost shaft being mounted for free-willing operation.

Abstract: A hand control mechanism to produce a selectively changeable effect on a continuously variable input shaft is disclosed. The mechanism selectively varies the length of a lever arm to effect a change in the amount of rotation of a continuously variable input shaft of a machine.

Abstract: A blade assembly for use with a tilling mechanism including a first blade disk. A second blade disk is coaxially mounted to rotate with the first blade disk and is positioned in a spaced apart generally parallel fashion relative to the first blade disk. The first blade disk and the second blade disk are rotatable in a first direction. A first plurality of teeth are disposed on the first blade disk. Each of the first plurality of teeth have a first leading edge which extends generally radially outwardly from the first blade disk. A second plurality of teeth are disposed on the second blade disk. Each of the second plurality of teeth has a second leading edge which extends generally linearly outwardly from the second blade disk in a direction counter to the first direction. The second leading edge forms an obtuse angle as measured relative to a line extending in the first direction tangent to the second blade disk. A second embodiment of the blade assembly is also shown herein.

Abstract: A rotary blade for use on a cultivator or rototiller. The blade comprises two disk-like members mounted on a hub having a central axis and a central opening to mount it for rotation about that axis. Each disk-like member has ten tines projecting generally radially outward. When viewed from the side each tine is generally triangular and has a pointed free end. One of the tines of each disk-like member is planar and is disposed parallel to a common plane located between the disk-like members and perpendicular to the hub, while the other nine of the tines of that member are bent or curved with respect to the common plane. In particular, three tines bent parallel to respective bend lines in a simple curve so that the respective free ends curves inward toward the common plane. Three other tines are a bent parallel to respective pairs of bend lines in a compound or serpentine curve having a first portion curving outward away from the common plane and a second portion curving inward toward the common plane.

Abstract: A two-piece, die cast transmission housing for a rototiller. The housing comprises two sections that are bolted together along their peripheral edges. A preformed gasket is seated within a recess in one section to form a tight seal between the two peripheral edges when the sections are secured together. The two-section design allows for easier maintenance, repair and replacement of transmission components without damaging bearings or seals. The two-section design also eliminates the need for alignment holes, potential sources of leaks, because the alignment can occur before the primary components are enclosed inside the housing. The housing sections include plural intersecting ribs which reinforce the housing and effectively dissipate heat.

Abstract: A multipurpose reducer vacuum for vacuuming leaf, garden and lawn debris which uses circular grate bars and free swinging hammers to comminute the debris. The reducer vacuum mounts to the rear bumper of a pickup truck. An adjustable discharge chute is used to direct the comminuted debris into the bed of the pickup truck. A wood chipper is provided on the back side of the apparatus for chipping small limb and branches. An alternate configuration adds an intake hopper which uses a baffle plate in cooperation with cutting bars to pull small limbs, branches and saplings into the reducer vacuum. Feed rates up to one foot per second can be achieved.