Abstract: Power management systems for snow throwers, snow throwers employing such power management systems, and methods of managing power in a snow thrower are discussed. One example embodiment comprises: an auger power control system configured to provide a first power to one or more augers; an impeller power control system configured to provide a second power to an impeller; and a drive power control system configured to provide a third power to one or more drive elements; and wherein, in response to at least one of a user input, a change in a first load on the one or more augers, a change in a second load on the impeller, or a change in a third load on the one or more drive elements, at least one of the first power, the second power, or the third power is increased or decreased.

Abstract: A garage door assembly includes a plurality of hingedly connected panels are configured to movably engage a pair of guide rails. The guide rails include a substantially straight lower portion and a curved upper portion, where the curved upper portion has a variable radius of curvature. This configuration allows for compact housing of the garage door panels when the garage door is in an open configuration, allowing for a more compact overall footprint within a garage.

Abstract: An electric powered snow thrower having high efficiency and high performance is disclosed. The electric powered snow thrower can incorporate an impeller that achieves high throw distances even at significantly lower power than conventional devices. Additionally, aspects of the electric powered snow thrower enable adjustment between different performance and power levels to adjust snow throw distance to optimize performance with power consumption and battery longevity. In some disclosed aspects, the performance level is coupled with a chute deflector height to simplify a selection between low power consumption and short throwing distance and high power consumption and long throwing distance, and all ranges there between.

Abstract: A reusable case for packing, storing, transporting and/or charging an outdoor power equipment is discussed, along with outdoor power equipment configured to be stored within the case. One example embodiment comprises a case for storing outdoor power equipment, comprising: a top portion; and a bottom portion movably connected to the top portion, wherein the bottom portion has one or more openings to allow one or more wheels of an outdoor power equipment to protrude through the one or more openings; wherein the top portion and the bottom portion are configured to substantially enclose the outdoor power equipment in a closed configuration.

Abstract: A lawn maintenance device has a transverse center line, a frame, and a power source including an output shaft attached to the frame. The lawn maintenance device further includes a rotating cutting blade. A left side is located on one side of the transverse center line and a right side located on a second side of the transverse center line. A plurality of ground engaging members are attached to the frame enabling movement of the lawn maintenance device along an associated driven surface. The ground engaging members on the left side are located at a first distance from the transverse center line that is different from a second distance that those on the right side are located from the transverse center line. Another example includes ground engaging members on opposite sides of the lawn maintenance device being located at different distances from a central axis of the cutting blade.

Abstract: A high-efficiency blade for a lawn maintenance tool includes a central axis and a mounting portion located on the central axis. The high-efficiency blade includes a cutting blade and a cutting blade sharpened leading edge. A cleaning blade is vertically offset from the cutting blade and is configured to mulch the associated clippings from vegetation and reduce an associated accumulation of clippings on an underside of an associated mower deck. The lawn maintenance tool can also include a deck having a separation distance between the cleaning blade and an underside of the deck. The deck can include an elevation change to vary the separation distance. The deck and high-efficiency blade can also include a forward or rearward tilt.

Abstract: A low-energy blade system having a quick-change attachment for a lawn maintenance tool is provided. The low-energy blade system requires a reduced amount of energy to rotate the blade system. The blade system includes a shell, a mounting plate attached to the shell, a plurality of quick-attach mechanisms, and a separate cutting blade attachable to each of the quick-attach mechanisms. Each quick-attach mechanism allows a cutting blade to be attached to the mounting plate without the need for external tools, such as screwdriver, wrench, ratchet, or the like.

Abstract: A high efficiency turf maintenance apparatus having low power consumption and good cutting performance including a bagging apparatus for turf clippings is presented herein. A blade configuration is disclosed to provide lift and to propel turf clippings from a mow deck to the bagging apparatus. Further, the blade configuration can be implemented with minimal increase in power consumption, allowing the bagging apparatus to be utilized with an electric motor power source with little or no impact on battery life.

Abstract: Provided is a snow thrower impeller assembly (24) that defines a mounting slot (84) for a wiper (70). The wiper includes a wiper portion (86) that slides into the mounting slot to mount the wiper to the impeller (54). The wiper contacts an interior wall (56) of an associated impeller housing during rotational operation of the impeller in order to limit a gap (74) between an impeller blade (66) and the interior wall. The wiper can move radially inward and outward to remain in contact with the interior wall without input from the operator. Another embodiment of the impeller assembly includes impeller blades with a first portion (116) and a second portion (118). The second portion extends at a non-zero angle from the first blade portion of the impeller blade. Methods of improving the efficiency of the snow thrower are also provided.

Abstract: In a broad respect, vehicles that are capable of making a low- to zero-radius turn using the independent rotation of drive wheels and by turning the non-driving steerable structure or structures (such as wheels) with a steering input device (in some embodiments, the driving wheels also may be capable of being turned). This may be accomplished using a steering system, a speed control system and an integration device (together, a control system) that are configured to work together to provide correct steering in forward and reverse, and, in some embodiments, to reduce the speed of the outboard drive wheel of the vehicle when it enters an extreme turn under constant speed input. Different systems configured for use in such vehicles are included.

Abstract: A snow thrower impeller assembly (24) includes a mounting slot (84) for a wiper (70). The wiper includes a wiper portion (86) that slides into the mounting slot to mount the wiper to the impeller (54). The wiper contacts an interior wall (56) of an associated impeller housing during rotational operation of the impeller in order to limit a gap (74) between an impeller blade (66) and the interior wall. The wiper can move radially inward and outward to remain in contact with the interior wall without input from the operator. Another embodiment of the impeller assembly includes impeller blades with a first portion (116) and a second portion (118). The second portion extends at a non-zero angle from the first blade portion of the impeller blade.

Abstract: A high-efficiency blade for a lawn maintenance tool includes a central axis and a mounting portion located on the central axis. The high-efficiency blade includes a cutting blade and a cutting blade sharpened leading edge. A cleaning blade is vertically offset from the cutting blade and is configured to mulch the associated clippings from vegetation and reduce an associated accumulation of clippings on an underside of an associated mower deck. The lawn maintenance tool can also include a deck having a separation distance between the cleaning blade and an underside of the deck. The deck can include an elevation change to vary the separation distance. The deck and high-efficiency blade can also include a forward or rearward tilt.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire assembly includes a non-pneumatic tire. The non-pneumatic tire includes an inner circumferential ring and an outer circumferential ring defining an annular space and a cylindrical space inside the inner circumferential ring. A plurality of partitions connect the circumferential rings within the annular space. A ground-contacting tread is located on the outer circumferential ring. A rim, including a plurality of pieces, is located within the cylindrical space. The non-pneumatic tire assembly further includes a hub that is removably connected to the rim.

Abstract: A mower blade assembly attaches to a rotatable spindle and includes a mounting plate which defines a first pin aperture. The mounting plate and a retaining plate are attached to the rotatable spindle. The retaining plate defines a second pin aperture. A movable pin plate comprises a pin. A blade is selectively attachable to the mounting plate. The blade defines a retaining plate aperture and a third pin aperture. A biasing member urges the movable pin plate from a disengaged position to an engaged position. The pin is engageable with the pin apertures for mounting and retaining the cutting blade to the mounting plate. The blade is attached by moving the blade over the retaining plate aperture, urging the movable pin plate to the disengaged position, rotating the blade, and releasing the movable pin plate. Another embodiment includes a force finger.

Abstract: Systems for controlling the speed and direction of vehicles such as tractors, including vehicles that have low to zero turning radius capability. Systems include steering and speed coordination systems that control the direction and speed of rotation of vehicle drive units.

Abstract: A high-efficiency blade for a lawn maintenance tool includes a central axis and a mounting portion located on the central axis. The high-efficiency blade includes a cutting blade and a cutting blade sharpened leading edge. A cleaning blade is vertically offset from the cutting blade and is configured to mulch the associated clippings from vegetation and reduce an associated accumulation of clippings on an underside of an associated mower deck. The lawn maintenance tool can also include a deck having a separation distance between the cleaning blade and an underside of the deck. The deck can include an elevation change to vary the separation distance. The deck and high-efficiency blade can also include a forward or rearward tilt.

Abstract: In a broad respect, vehicles that are capable of making a low- to zero-radius turn using the independent rotation of drive wheels and by turning the non-driving steerable structure or structures (such as wheels) with a steering input device (in some embodiments, the driving wheels also may be capable of being turned). This may be accomplished using a steering system, a speed control system and an integration device (together, a control system) that are configured to work together to provide correct steering in forward and reverse, and, in some embodiments, to reduce the speed of the outboard drive wheel of the vehicle when it enters an extreme turn under constant speed input. Different systems configured for use in such vehicles are included.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the speed and direction of vehicles such as tractors.

Abstract: Systems for controlling the speed and direction of vehicles such as tractors, including vehicles that have low to zero turning radius capability. Systems include steering and speed coordination systems that control the direction and speed of rotation of vehicle drive units.

Abstract: A mower blade assembly attaches to a rotatable spindle and includes a mounting plate which defines a first pin aperture. The mounting plate and a retaining plate are attached to the rotatable spindle. The retaining plate defines a second pin aperture. A movable pin plate comprises a pin. A blade is selectively attachable to the mounting plate. The blade defines a retaining plate aperture and a third pin aperture. A biasing member urges the movable pin plate from a disengaged position to an engaged position. The pin is engageable with the pin apertures for mounting and retaining the cutting blade to the mounting plate. The blade is attached by moving the blade over the retaining plate aperture, urging the movable pin plate to the disengaged position, rotating the blade, and releasing the movable pin plate. Another embodiment includes a force finger.