Abstract: A control handle for a lawn mower includes a first lever and a second lever facing the first lever. Each lever is configured to actuate between an extended position and a depressed position. A controller is operatively associated with each of the first lever and the second lever so as to determine a position of the first lever with respect to the depressed position or the extended position of the first lever, and a position of the second lever with respect to the depressed position or the extended position of the second lever. Also, the first lever defines an interior having an opening facing the second lever such that the interior of the first lever is configured for receiving the second lever when at least one of the first lever and the second lever are actuated toward the respective depressed position.

Abstract: A propulsion control system for a walk-behind self-propelled machine including a drive transmission and at least one wheel selectively driven by the drive transmission can include a sensor array and a controller. The sensor array can be configured to measure a first angular velocity about a first rotational axis of the machine and a second angular velocity about a second rotational axis of the machine, where the second rotational axis is different from the first rotational axis. The controller can be in electrical communication with the sensor array and configured to place the drive transmission in an off state when the drive transmission is in an on state, the first angular velocity is greater than a first threshold, and the second angular velocity is greater than a second threshold.

Abstract: A shutter assembly for a lawnmower can include a cutter housing, a shutter, and a lever. The shutter can be rotatably attached to the cutter housing so as to be movable between (a) a first shutter position in which a blocking panel is positioned such that the blocking panel opens the discharge opening, and (b) a second shutter position in which the blocking panel is positioned such that the blocking panel closes the discharge opening, and the second shutter position corresponds to a mulching position. The lever can be attached to the shutter and extend through the cutter housing slot. The lever can move the shutter between the first shutter position and the second shutter position. The lever can include a handle knob assembly that includes a button that is biased, by a spring, to lock in any one of a plurality of positions on the cutter housing.

Abstract: A propulsion control system for a walk-behind self-propelled machine including a drive transmission and at least one wheel selectively driven by the drive transmission can include a sensor array and a controller. The sensor array can be configured to measure a first angular velocity about a first rotational axis of the machine and a second angular velocity about a second rotational axis of the machine, where the second rotational axis is different from the first rotational axis. The controller can be in electrical communication with the sensor array and configured to place the drive transmission in an off state when the drive transmission is in an on state, the first angular velocity is greater than a first threshold, and the second angular velocity is greater than a second threshold.

Abstract: A control handle for a lawn mower includes a first lever and a second lever facing the first lever. Each lever is configured to actuate between an extended position and a depressed position. A controller is operatively associated with each of the first lever and the second lever so as to determine a position of the first lever with respect to the depressed position or the extended position of the first lever, and a position of the second lever with respect to the depressed position or the extended position of the second lever. Also, the first lever defines an interior having an opening facing the second lever such that the interior of the first lever is configured for receiving the second lever when at least one of the first lever and the second lever are actuated toward the respective depressed position.

Abstract: A shutter assembly for a lawnmower can include a cutter housing, a shutter, and a lever. The shutter can be rotatably attached to the cutter housing so as to be movable between (a) a first shutter position in which a blocking panel is positioned such that the blocking panel opens the discharge opening, and (b) a second shutter position in which the blocking panel is positioned such that the blocking panel closes the discharge opening, and the second shutter position corresponds to a mulching position. The lever can be attached to the shutter and extend through the cutter housing slot. The lever can move the shutter between the first shutter position and the second shutter position. The lever can include a handle knob assembly that includes a button that is biased, by a spring, to lock in any one of a plurality of positions on the cutter housing.

Abstract: A variable speed control system and method for a walk-behind working machine includes a control system base, a control lever selectively movable with respect to the control system base between two operating positions, a mode actuator positioned on the control system base for toggling between a plurality of control modes, and a control unit in communication with the control lever, the mode actuator, and a machine component. The control unit selectively controls the operation of the machine component between a minimum operating speed and a variable maximum operating speed. The control unit applies a different acceleration profile to accelerate from the minimum operating speed to the variable maximum operating speed depending on the control mode selected.

Abstract: A variable speed control system and method for a walk-behind working machine includes a control system base, a control lever selectively movable with respect to the control system base between two operating positions, a mode actuator positioned on the control system base for toggling between a plurality of control modes, and a control unit in communication with the control lever, the mode actuator, and a machine component. The control unit selectively controls the operation of the machine component between a minimum operating speed and a variable maximum operating speed. The control unit applies a different acceleration profile to accelerate from the minimum operating speed to the variable maximum operating speed depending on the control mode selected.

Abstract: Automatic turn-sensing ground speed reduction systems and related methods for walk-behind, self-propelled machines are disclosed. In one aspect, automatic turn-sensing ground speed reduction systems and related methods can include a control unit and a sensor. The sensor can be configured to transmit a signal to the control unit. In some aspects, the sensor can include a gyroscope that can be configured to transmit the signal to the control unit, the signal corresponding to an angular velocity of the walk-behind machine measured about a vertical axis perpendicular to a ground surface on which the walk-behind machine can be self-propelled. The control unit can be configured to automatically adjust a ground speed of the walk-behind machine during turning movement of the walk-behind machine based upon the signal.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to adjustable ground speed control devices, systems, and methods for walk-behind equipment. A variable speed control system may include a control system base, a control lever selectively movable with respect to the control system base between a first operating position and a second operating position, a mode actuator positioned on the control system base for toggling between a standard mode and a selection mode, and an adjustment actuator positioned on the control system base in communication with a control unit to toggle between a first control mode and a second control mode when the mode actuator is in selection mode. The control unit applies a first acceleration profile to accelerate from the minimum operating speed to the variable maximum operating speed when in the first control mode and a second acceleration profile when in the second control mode.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to adjustable ground speed control devices, systems, and methods for walk-behind equipment. A variable speed control system may include a control system base, a control lever selectively movable with respect to the control system base between a first operating position and a second operating position, a mode actuator positioned on the control system base for toggling between a standard mode and a selection mode, and an adjustment actuator positioned on the control system base in communication with a control unit to toggle between a first control mode and a second control mode when the mode actuator is in selection mode. The control unit applies a first acceleration profile to accelerate from the minimum operating speed to the variable maximum operating speed when in the first control mode and a second acceleration profile when in the second control mode.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to adjustable ground speed control devices, systems, and methods for walk-behind equipment. A variable speed control system for a machine can include a control system base, one or more control lever selectively movable with respect to the control system base between a first operating position and a second operating position, first and second speed adjustment actuators positioned on the control system base proximal to the one or more control lever, and a control unit configured for communication with the one or more control lever, the first and second speed adjustment actuators, and a machine component. In this configuration, the one or more control lever can be configured to control the machine component to operate between a minimum operating speed and a variable maximum operating speed, where the value of the variable maximum operating speed can be adjusted by the first and second speed adjustment actuators.

Abstract: Drive systems and methods for implementing engine stall protection in a self-propelled machine are disclosed. In one aspect, a drive system of a self-propelled machine incorporating engine stall protection includes an engine being in communication with a control unit and transmitting power and an engine load signal to the control unit. An actuation mechanism can be actuatable to assign a desired ground speed of the self-propelled machine, the actuation mechanism being in communication with the control unit and transmitting a control signal corresponding to the desired ground speed to the control unit. In some aspects, the control unit is configured to control a transmission motor to achieve an actual ground speed of the self-propelled machine based on both the engine load signal and the control signal. In other aspects, the engine load signal is an engine speed signal, wherein engine speed is dependent on a load applied to the engine.

Abstract: Automatic turn-sensing ground speed reduction systems and related methods for walk-behind, self-propelled machines are disclosed. In one aspect, automatic turn-sensing ground speed reduction systems and related methods can include a control unit and a sensor. The sensor can be configured to transmit a signal to the control unit. In some aspects, the sensor can include a gyroscope that can be configured to transmit the signal to the control unit, the signal corresponding to an angular velocity of the walk-behind machine measured about a vertical axis perpendicular to a ground surface on which the walk-behind machine can be self-propelled. The control unit can be configured to automatically adjust a ground speed of the walk-behind machine during turning movement of the walk-behind machine based upon the signal.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to adjustable ground speed control devices, systems, and methods for walk-behind equipment. A variable speed control system for a machine can include a control system base, one or more control lever selectively movable with respect to the control system base between a first operating position and a second operating position, first and second speed adjustment actuators positioned on the control system base proximal to the one or more control lever, and a control unit configured for communication with the one or more control lever, the first and second speed adjustment actuators, and a machine component. In this configuration, the one or more control lever can be configured to control the machine component to operate between a minimum operating speed and a variable maximum operating speed, where the value of the variable maximum operating speed can be adjusted by the first and second speed adjustment actuators.

Abstract: Drive systems and methods for implementing engine stall protection in a self-propelled machine are disclosed. In one aspect, a drive system of a self-propelled machine incorporating engine stall protection includes an engine being in communication with a control unit and transmitting power and an engine load signal to the control unit. An actuation mechanism can be actuatable to assign a desired ground speed of the self-propelled machine, the actuation mechanism being in communication with the control unit and transmitting a control signal corresponding to the desired ground speed to the control unit. In some aspects, the control unit is configured to control a transmission motor to achieve an actual ground speed of the self-propelled machine based on both the engine load signal and the control signal. In other aspects, the engine load signal is an engine speed signal, wherein engine speed is dependent on a load applied to the engine.

Abstract: A method of operating an engine is disclosed, which includes determining a peak power condition for the engine, measuring a temperature associated with the engine at said peak power condition, comparing the temperature measured with a previously determined temperature associated with a known peak power condition of the engine, determining an offset value based on the comparison made in step, controlling at least one of an air-fuel mixture delivered to the engine or ignition spark timing based on said offset value. Various engine fuel delivery systems, carburetors, fuel injection and control systems also are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for draining fuel from a carburetor of a combustion engine can include a first control valve in communication between a fuel source and a fuel chamber of a carburetor and a second control valve in communication between the fuel chamber of the carburetor and a drain reservoir. The first and second control valves can be coupled and operable such that, upon disengagement of the engine, the first control valve can be closed to block a supply of fuel to the fuel chamber, and the second control valve can be opened to connect the drain reservoir to the fuel chamber, which can operate to draw liquid fuel from the fuel chamber into the drain reservoir. The fuel can then be moved from the drain reservoir into a fuel storage tank, where it can be stored until needed by the carburetor.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to arrangements and uses for engine speed governors. In particular, an automatic idle system for a small engine can include an engine speed governor for connection to a small engine with a governor shaft rotatable in response to a speed of the engine. A governor linkage can include a first portion for connection to the governor shaft and a second portion for connection to a throttle control of the engine, the first portion being movably connected with or to the second portion. An actuator can be connected to the second portion of the governor linkage, the actuator being movable in response to a load on the engine to move the second portion relative to the first portion. In this configuration, when the engine is in a low-load state, the second portion can be moved relative to the first portion toward a throttle-closed position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for draining fuel from a carburetor of a combustion engine can include a first control valve in communication between a fuel source and a fuel chamber of a carburetor and a second control valve in communication between the fuel chamber of the carburetor and a drain reservoir. The first and second control valves can be coupled and operable such that, upon disengagement of the engine, the first control valve can be closed to block a supply of fuel to the fuel chamber, and the second control valve can be opened to connect the drain reservoir to the fuel chamber, which can operate to draw liquid fuel from the fuel chamber into the drain reservoir. The fuel can then be moved from the drain reservoir into a fuel storage tank, where it can be stored until needed by the carburetor.