Abstract: A tilt or acceleration sensing apparatus and method that allows a tilt or acceleration sensing device of a vehicle to determine: 1) a maximum fall angle of the vehicle, regardless of the orientation of the vehicle and the vehicle's tilt sensor(s) to the incline; or 2) the downward acceleration of the vehicle. In one embodiment, a method of determining a maximum fall angle of a vehicle includes sensing tilt angles of two sensing axes of the vehicle relative to a horizontal reference plane and calculating the maximum fall angle of the vehicle based on the tilt angles. The apparatus and method may also include comparing the maximum fall angle to predetermined values and generating output signals when the maximum fall angle exceeds the predetermined values. In another embodiment, a method of determining when a vehicle is sliding downhill includes sensing the accelerations of three sensing axes.

Abstract: A tilt sensor arrangement and method that allows a tilt angle sensor of a vehicle to be tested without tilting the vehicle. In one embodiment, a tilt angle sensor of a vehicle is tested when the vehicle is positioned in a generally horizontal position. The tilt angle sensor is rotated from an operating position to a test position while the vehicle remains in the generally horizontal position and the tilt angle sensor is tested.

Abstract: A tilt or acceleration sensing apparatus and method that allows a tilt or acceleration sensing device of a vehicle to determine: 1) a maximum fall angle of the vehicle, regardless of the orientation of the vehicle and the vehicle's tilt sensor(s) to the incline; or 2) the downward acceleration of the vehicle. In one embodiment, a method of determining a maximum fall angle of a vehicle includes sensing tilt angles of two sensing axes of the vehicle relative to a horizontal reference plane and calculating the maximum fall angle of the vehicle based on the tilt angles. The apparatus and method may also include comparing the maximum fall angle to predetermined values and generating output signals when the maximum fall angle exceeds the predetermined values. In another embodiment, a method of determining when a vehicle is sliding downhill includes sensing the accelerations of three sensing axes.

Abstract: A tilt sensor arrangement and method that allows a tilt angle sensor of a vehicle to be tested without tilting the vehicle. In one embodiment, a tilt angle sensor of a vehicle is tested when the vehicle is positioned in a generally horizontal position. The tilt angle sensor is rotated from an operating position to a test position while the vehicle remains in the generally horizontal position and the tilt angle sensor is tested.

Abstract: An adapter for connecting one size of nozzle with a blower tip of varying sizes has a plurality of springs spaced there around. Each spring has straight portions resiliently urged towards the blower tip. At the entrance end of the adapter, the springs are sloped or tapered so the blower tip will gradually flex the springs towards the wall of the adapter. The springs may be solid, like leaf springs, or may be formed of wire; and, the springs may be made of polymeric material, metal or other elastic materials. In other embodiments, the springs may be fixed to the male member for receiving a female member thereon; and, the male or female member may have a slope rather than the springs. The spring members may have two straight portions parallel to each other, or only one straight portion.

Abstract: A nozzle for providing an oscillating fluid stream has a stationary segment, and at least one oscillating segment pivoted to the stationary segment. In one embodiment, the fluid stream impinges on an inwardly turned lip on the oscillating segment to drive the oscillation. In other embodiments, the reaction of the fluid discharge assists in driving the oscillation of the nozzle, with or without assistance of the inwardly turned lip. For high pressure systems, including the use of liquids, the segments may be more massive to redirect the fluid stream. For compact systems, the plural segments may be completely housed within the stationary segment.

Abstract: A cutting blade assembly for a lawn mower is provided with mechanism for prestressing the blade to lessen vibration during use and also for adjusting the blade so as to accurately position and align the blade relative to the associated blade housing so that the blade operates in a horizontal plane. This prestressing and adjusting mechanism may also be employed to compensate for any misalignment in the mounting of the blade spindle relative to the blade housing. In one specific embodiment in which the blade is bolted to a blade support bar which, in turn, is fixed to a vertical spindle mounted centrally to the blade housing, the prestressing and adjusting mechanism is achieved by pressure-applying bolts or screws threaded through the blade support bar on opposite sides of the spindle so as to be engageable with the blade. Advancement of the screws serves to deflect the blade downwardly to prestress the blade and/or to position the blade in a desired horizontal plane.