Abstract: A discharge chute assembly (30) includes a chute (32) and a pivotal deflector (34), the overlapping end portions of which define a partial spherical or bail joint (40) which maintains a tight seal against backflow and leakage over the entire range of rotation and deflection of the assembly. The assembly (30) is preferably secured to a rotatable base (54) by means of lower pivots (70) and a releasable fastener (72) for collapsibility.

Abstract: A high pressure liquid containment joint in an apparatus for injecting high pressure liquid into turf. A preferred high pressure liquid containment joint includes an O-ring (72). The high pressure liquid containment joint also includes a cylindrical plug (70). The plug (70) includes a first end and a second end, external threads (71) located between the first and second ends, a shoulder (73) for accepting the O-ring (72) wherein the shoulder (73) is located between the external threads (71) and the second end. The plug (70) also includes a hexhead (75) connected with the first end for accepting rotational force. The high pressure liquid containment joint also includes a high pressure liquid containment vessel for containing high pressure liquid wherein the vessel includes a threaded bore (74) wherein the bore (74) includes internal threads (172) for engaging the external threads (71) and two, smooth machined frusto-conical surfaces (174, 175) for contacting the O-ring.

Abstract: An improved rake assembly for a sandtrap maintenance machine comprises a rake frame having a transverse row or rows of scarifying teeth. A trowel plate is fixed to the rake frame and trails behind the scarifying teeth and includes a substantially planar lower edge comprising a horizontal flange that bears against the sand to smooth out the sand disturbed by the scarifying teeth. In addition, a finishing rake is moveably attached to the rake frame to trail behind both the scarifying teeth and the trowel plate to allow the finishing rake to further groom and smooth the surface of the sand. The trowel plate is adjustably carried on the rake frame to be capable of vertical adjustment up and down relative to the rake frame. This vertical adjustment allows the height of the scarifying teeth of the rake frame to be quickly adjusted without having to individually adjust the scarifying teeth one by one.

Abstract: A power box (12) for a low voltage lighting system (10). Power box (12), which connects to a 120 VAC source via 120 VAC cable (15) and a plurality of low voltage light fixtures (14) via a 12 VAC cable (16), includes a "tortuous path" strain relief (40) including a first strain relief structure (41) in a base (19) having vertically spaced horizontal ribs (44, 46, 48) and a second strain relief structure (43) in a cover (28) having corresponding vertically spaced horizontal ribs (56, 54, 52). When base (19) and cover (28) are assembled, structures (41 and 43) align such that the ribs interdigitate or mesh to form the tortuous path strain relief (40) for the 120 VAC cable (15). Another aspect of the invention is the use of a standard spade lug connector (77) and a pair of "double-L" spade lug connectors (78) for making the internal and external 12 VAC connections to a step down transformer (60) and the 12 VAC cable (16), respectively.

Abstract: An improved irrigation controller of solid state design utilizes a microcomputer which retains and executes a watering schedule input by a user through data input means. A rain delay push button may be pressed a number of times to suspend operation of the watering schedule for a number of days equal to the number of times the button is pressed. A blinking LED will indicate the remaining days in the rain delay period to the user. In addition, the controller includes an LCD display which normally displays the current day and time, but which will temporarily display a new irrigation parameter being input into the schedule by manipulation of one of the data input means. The controller also includes a self test feature in which the watering schedule execution is suspended and the operability of various controller components is verified.

Abstract: An irrigation controller contains a base unit having drivers and output switches for controlling a number of irrigation stations which is less than the maximum number of stations for which the controller is designed. Station expansion modules are provided having the drivers and output switches for incremental numbers of stations. The station expansion modules can be individually bought and connected to the base unit to expand the number of available irrigation stations up to the maximum number of stations. A microprocessor in the base unit can be programmed and controls all of the stations, both those in the base unit and those in the station expansion modules. Pump and accessory timer modules can also be provided for optionally driving a pump and/or an accessory device such as a lighting system.

Abstract: A walk behind lawn mower operating system. The system comprises a handlebar onto which control bails with ends are pivotally attached, with the control bails being operatively connected to propulsion and blade brake systems, respectively. The control bails are arranged on the handlebar such that they pivot away from the handlebar in opposite directions. The control bails' cross-sectional dimensions are essentially identical. Each of the control bail's movement is limited by a bail pivot stop. Each bail pivot stop is removably attached to a control bail end so that it pivots with the control bail and restricts the pivoting movement by impinging upon the handlebar with an integrally formed stop. In the preferred embodiment, where the control bails pivot away from the handlebar in opposite directions, the control bail stops are located at either side of the handlebar.

Abstract: In a walk behind lawn mower, a height of cut adjustment system that includes a frame (12), a cutting blade (20) rotatably supported by the frame (12), a ground engaging wheel (14) coupled to and supporting the frame (12), height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height setting of the blade (20) relative to the ground engaging wheel (14), and a grass height gauge (28) operatively connected to the frame (12) wherein the grass height gauge (28) indicates a desirable height setting for the cutting blade (20) so that a predetermined portion of the standing grass blade is removed.

Abstract: An improved sprinkler comprises a nozzle body having a nozzle received in a recessed seat provided in a peripheral wall of the nozzle body. The nozzle body has a rotatable upper cover. A cam surface is formed on the cover and extends down into engagement with the nozzle. The cam surface is shaped to push the nozzle at least partially out of its seat during rotation of the cover to allow the user to be able to grip the nozzle and complete its removal by pulling outwardly on the nozzle. The cover also includes a locking rib which can be brought to bear against the nozzle when the nozzle is fully received in its seat to help retain the nozzle in place. Desirably, the cover also includes a radius adjustment screw which is located in front of and spaced away from the front end of the nozzle such that the screw does not in any way engage or bear against the nozzle to prevent damage to the nozzle from the screw.

Abstract: A cruise control system (10) for use with a hydrostatic drive system having a traction pedal (12) includes a pivotal link (42) and stops (44 and 46) comprising a lost motion connection between the traction pedal and the traction control linkage (30). Selective retention of the pump control lever is accomplished by a pair of electromagnets (64) responsive to a switch (88) associated with the lost motion connection.

Abstract: An adjustable arc sprinkler nozzle comprises a nozzle body which has a plurality of radial channels for forming radial streams out of water flowing into the nozzle from a sprinkler body to which the nozzle is joined. A crown shaped deflector member includes a plurality of vertically extending fingers which operatively coact with the radial nozzle channels to restrict the amount of water flowing therethrough. A selectively operable adjusting member is cooperatively engaged with the deflecting member for moving the deflecting member vertically relative to the nozzle body to vary the position of the fingers relative to the channels to change the amount of water restriction imposed by the fingers on the water flowing through the channels, whereby the throw radius is selectively adjusted by vertical movement of the deflecting member.

Abstract: A Power box (12) for a low voltage lighting system (10). Power box (12), which connects to a 120 VAC source via 120 VAC cable (15) and a plurality of low voltage light fixtures (14) via a 12 VAC cable (16), includes a "tortuous path" strain relief (40) including a first strain relief structure (41) in a base (19) having vertically spaced horizontal ribs (44, 46, 48) and a second strain relief structure (43) in a cover (28) having corresponding vertically spaced horizontal ribs (56, 54, 52). When base (19) and cover (28) are assembled, structures (41 and 43) align such that the ribs interdigitate or mesh to form the tortuous path strain relief (40) for the 120 VAC cable (15). Another aspect of the invention is the use of a standard spade lug connector (77) and a pair of "double-L" spade lug connectors (78) for making the internal and external 12 VAC connections to a step down transformer (60) and the 12 VAC cable (16), respectively.

Abstract: A mulching mower has at least one generally enclosed cutting chamber in which a rotatable cutting blade is carried for rotation in a generally horizontal cutting plane. The side wall which defines the circumferential boundary of the cutting chamber is not perfectly circular with respect to the axis of blade rotation. Instead, the chamber is stretched or elongated with respect to the blade tips over the rear half of the chamber to be obround to the rear of the chamber. This enhances use of the mower as a mulcher. In addition, grass deflecting members are desirably used in the rear half of the chamber to further enhance the mulching action provided by the chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating turf to reduce the general soil density in which turfgrasses grow and thus promote turf growth and turf drainage which includes injecting through the turf into the soil a pattern of jets of generally incompressible liquid at a jet pressure and jet spacing to provide a lateral dispersion of the liquid within the soil such that the liquid dispersion from adjacent jets coact with one another to lift and fracture the soil. A plurality of small diameter nozzles are mounted on a movable frame generally transverse to the direction of travel of the frame. A pressurized fluid source is mounted on the frame and connected through a control device to the nozzles. The control device control the flow of liquid from the pressure source to the nozzles to produce periodic, relatively small cross-sectional, slugs, or jets, of liquid from the nozzles through the turf into the soil.

Abstract: A multi-bladed mulching mower is convertible between a mulching mode in which the grass clippings are deposited as mulch or a discharge/collection mode in which the grass clippings are discharged from the housing or are bagged. The mower includes two separate cutting chambers which are staggered forwardly relative to one another but otherwise are arranged side-by-side next to one another. The peripheral wall of the forward cutting chamber has a selectively openable gate which is closed in the mulching mode but is opened in the discharge/collection mode. The rearward cutting chamber is provided with a discharge outlet which can be selectively opened in the discharge/collection mode but is otherwise closed.

Abstract: In a walk-behind power lawn mower with a propelling mechanism and a blade brake clutch, an improved control system. A preferred embodiment includes a substantially U-shaped control arm (34), pivot shaft (36, 38) operatively connecting control arm (34) to handlebar (28) wherein the pivot shafts (36, 38) establish a pivot axis.

Abstract: An improved mower cutting deck (30) includes a main deck section (38), pivotal wing deck sections (40), and belt drive system (80) with electric clutch/brake units (131, 132) connected therebetween which allow constant belt tension to be maintained while minimizing belt wear and related maintenance. If desired, breakaway assemblies (150) may also be connected between the deck sections (38, 40). Shroud and baffle arrangements (162) are also provided for better grass dispersion.