Abstract: A universal powerhead apparatus which is securable to a frame portion of a land vehicle, pump or other tool to replace an existing internal combustion engine of the device without requiring significant modification to the frame portion of the device. The powerhead apparatus includes an electric motor and a universal mounting plate which is secured to a portion of the motor. The universal mounting plate has a footprint substantially similar to that of a specific make and displacement of internal combustion engine which the apparatus is intended to replace. The overall footprint of the apparatus is also similar to the specific make and displacement of a gasoline powered engine which it is designed to replace.

Abstract: A string trimmer having a knock-down construction which enables the trimmer to be shipped in a partially disassembled condition and quickly assembled by an end user without the need for special tools and without the need for a large plurality of assembly steps. The string trimmer has a handle assembly having a coupling neck protruding therefrom and a base portion having a coupling neck protruding therefrom. An intermediate assembly has a coupling recess at each of its outermost ends which are adapted to snappingly engage with the coupling necks of the handle assembly and base assembly. Once coupled together, conventional threaded screws and nuts can be used to more permanently fasten the handle and base assemblies to the intermediate assembly. The interlocking coupling arrangements provide a high degree of resistance to twisting and bending forces and yet provide for quick and easy assembly of a new string trimmer by an end user with limited mechanical experience.

Abstract: A method of winding a motor armature includes providing a sub-assembly comprising a shaft having an armature core and a commutator mounted thereon, the commutator having commutator bars spaced apart about the shaft with each bar having leading and trailing wire connection devices angularly spaced apart with respect to said shaft. A first wire is connected to a leading wire connection device and a second wire is connected to a leading connection device on the other side of the commutator. The successive coils are separately wound on the armature core from the first and second wires with connection of each wire to a different leading connection device between successive coils. Thereafter further successive coils are separately wound on the core from the wires but now with connection of the wires between successive coils to trailing connection devices until the commutator bars have pairs of electrically parallel coils connected thereto.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical interlock and module system for an electrically powered device such as a cordless, electric lawn mower that includes a normally open interlock switch for controlling the enabling of the power circuit for the lawn mower. A key member is adapted for insertion into a specially configured opening in the mower housing to actuate and close the interlock switch. With the interlock switch closed, energization of the motor is controlled by a separate handle-mounted ON/OFF switch in a conventional manner. In addition, a modular assembly technique is disclosed which facilitates ease of manufacturing while assuring proper alignment between the various components of the interlock system.

Abstract: A method of winding a motor armature includes providing a sub-assembly comprising a shaft having an armature core and a commutator mounted thereon, the commutator having commutator bars spaced apart about the shaft with each bar having leading and trailing wire connection devices angularly spaced apart with respect to said shaft. A first wire is connected to a leading wire connection device and a second wire is connected to a leading connection device on the other side of the commutator. The successive coils are separately wound on the armature core from the first and second wires with connection of each wire to a different leading connection device between successive coils. Thereafter further successive coils are separately wound on the core from the wires but now with connection of the wires between successive coils to trailing connection devices until the commutator bars have pairs of electrically parallel coils connected thereto.