Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rotatable cutting head for a powered trimmer comprising top and bottom cover members, the bottom member is adapted to be operably associated with the drive shaft of a trimmer and includes at least one pivot member for receiving a pivoting cutting element, a latch mechanism is provided on the top cover for engaging the pivot member when the top and bottom cover members are mated, the latch member is secured against the pivot member by centrifugal forces acting on the latch during operation of the trimmer. The cutting elements comprise blades or molded lines that are readily adapted to be interchanged within the cutting head without the need for tools or complex disassembly.

Abstract: The invention provides a connection assembly for a rechargeable battery, including a connector and connector receptacle assembly to connect the battery to the device. The connection assembly allows a battery to be inserted and removed from the device with minimal effort for recharging or use. The connector includes an insulator block with positive and negative electrical contact plates mounted therein, which contact the respective positive and negative contact plates of the connector receptacle. The connector is mounted to a battery, and the connector receptacle is mounted to an electrical device, such as a lawn mower or a charge unit if recharging is desired.

Abstract: The invention provides a cutting head assembly for a lawnmower, trimmer, or similar device which includes a plurality of lower cutting elements mounted to a disc-shaped support member. A plurality of upper cutting elements are also mounted to the disc-shaped support member at a higher elevation, such that each upper cutting element is directly above a corresponding lower cutting element. This allows for a double cut mulching effect in use. An air foil can be provided with the upper cutting elements to create an upward vacuum which positions the grass for a clean cut by both the upper and lower cutting elements. The cutting elements can comprise cutting blades and/or flexible cutting filaments.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a plurality of flexible cutting filaments having an angular cross-section for cutting grass and the like comprises a rotary member. The rotary member includes a hub for mounting the member to a drive shaft of a lawn mower or the like. The member includes a rim disposed around the hub. A disk secures the rim to the hub. The member includes at least a pair of passageways for securing at least one pair of flexible cutting filaments. The passageways are keyed to the cross-section of the cutting filaments and extend through the rim for permitting the filaments to be positioned within each respective passageway at a specific orientation. Each of the passageways extends through the rim at different elevations above the ground for permitting the cutting filaments to cut the grass at different heights.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for cutting grass or vegetation and the like, which includes a rotary cutting member. The rotary cutting member includes a hub and a plurality of arms extending therefrom. Each arm includes a line holder for receiving a flexible cutting filament. The flexible cutting filament includes first and second cutting elements, and is positioned such that first element is positioned above and laterally offset from the second element. Each arm is shaped so as to form an air-foil. The air-foil creates a low pressure area above the blade which facilitates lifting the grass upward in the direction of the lawnmower blade.

Abstract: A power trimmer including a handle, a housing, a gas operated engine, a plurality of wheels, and a cutting blade. The housing includes a front wheel mounting member, a rear wheel mounting member, and a cutting blade mounting member. The cutting blade mounting member is offset from the front and rear wheel mounting members. A passageway extends along the upper surface of the cutting blade mounting member. The first end of the passageway is positioned adjacent the exhaust port of the gas operated engine. The second end abuts the rear wheel mounting member. The passageway directs the exhaust fumes from the gas operated engine underneath the housing thereby significantly reducing the noise of the invention. Further, harmful exhaust fumes are directed away from the operator. The cutting blade mounting member includes fixed and removable sections. The removable section can be secured to either side of the fixed section. Thus, an operator can trim from both sides of the power trimmer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved apparatus, for trimming lawns and the like, comprising a housing having a rear ground engaging means, a cutting means extending beyond the front and substantially the left and right sides of the housing for permitting trimming of vegetation growing close to an obstruction, a skirt for preventing debris from being propelled rearwardly by the cutting means, and a removable front ground engaging means.

Abstract: A rotary cutting member for use with lawn mowers and the like includes a continuous rim having at least three stepped openings at different elevations relative to the ground for securing at least three flexible cutting filaments to the rim, thereby providing at least three cutting planes when the rotary member is rotating.

Abstract: A power trimmer including a handle, a housing, a gas operated engine, a plurality of wheels, and a cutting blade. The housing includes a front wheel mounting member, a rear wheel mounting member, and a cutting blade mounting member. The cutting blade mounting member is offset from the front and rear wheel mounting members. A passageway extends along the upper surface of the cutting blade mounting member. The first end of the passageway is positioned adjacent the exhaust port of the gas operated engine. The second end abuts the rear wheel mounting member. The passageway directs the exhaust fumes from the gas operated engine underneath the housing thereby significantly reducing the noise of the invention. Further, harmful exhaust fumes are directed away from the operator. The cutting blade mounting member includes fixed and removable sections. The removable section can be secured to either side of the fixed section. Thus, an operator can trim from both sides of the power trimmer.

Abstract: An apparatus that can be readily converted from a lawnmower to a trimmer including a housing, an engine mounted thereon, a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted to the housing, a handle secured to the housing and a control linkage system. The housing includes a main body portion and an adjustable segment. The adjustable segment is pivotally connected to the main body of the housing. The adjustable segment is further spring biased in a first position wherein the apparatus is in the traditional lawnmower mode. The control linkage system is operably associated with the adjustable segment so that upon depression of a control lever the adjustable segment pivots upwardly and exposes a portion of the blade. The exposed portion of the blade extends several inches outwardly from the outermost portion of the apparatus. Therefore, the apparatus is able to effectively trim grass from around obstacles such as trees, fences, and posts.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for cutting grass and the like comprising a rotary cutting member. The rotary cutting member includes a hub and a plurality of arms extending therefrom. Each of the arms includes a line holder for receiving a flexible cutting filament. The flexible cutting filaments include first and second cutting elements. The flexible cutting filaments are prestressed so that the first cutting element intersects the second cutting element thereby forming a substantially V-shaped flexible cutting filament. Each of the arms includes an air foil positioned remote from the hub. The air foil creates a low pressure area above the blade which will facilitate lifting the grass upward in the direction of the lawnmover blade.

Abstract: The process described is a novel use of two complementary processes, the first of which provides the product to be converted into energy by the second process, related in such a way that the two combined provides an alternative to conventional fuels at a significant economical advantage. Specifically, the burning of sulfur with air or oxygen produces sulfur dioxide which can be combined with water to form sulfuric acid and by electrolysis, the sulfuric acid and water is converted to hydrogen gas. Hydrogen gas is burned as has been the sulfur, each producing thermal energy which is used to produce steam. The steam produced by burning the two fuels, sulfur and hydrogen gas, is used in the pulp mill in exactly the same manner as has been steam produced by burning fuels such as natural gas, fuel oil, coal and wood.