Abstract: A mowing mechanism having a spindle rotatively driven by a power source, a blade having a radially inner portion coupled for rotation with the spindle and a radially outer portion for cutting vegetation, a housing within which the blade rotates, and a disc operatively carried within the housing for rotation with the blade and having a radially outer portion spaced above the blade. The disc includes an inner portion extending radially inwardly from the outer portion to a position proximate the blade, the inner and outer portions of the disc serving to confine air and clippings near the outer portion of the blade. The rotating disc prevents accumulation of the grass clippings beneath the disc and housing, and enhances airflow within the housing due to viscous drag or friction between the disc and the air within the housing. Deflectors carried by the disc are designed to further enhance airflows and generally deflect clippings back toward the blade for mulching.

Abstract: A mowing mechanism having a spindle rotatively driven by a power source, a blade having a radially inner portion coupled for rotation with the spindle and a radially outer portion for cutting vegetation, a housing within which the blade rotates, and a disc operatively carried within the housing for rotation with the blade and having a radially outer portion spaced above the blade. The disc includes an inner portion extending radially inwardly from the outer portion to a position proximate the blade, the inner and outer portions of the disc serving to confine air and clippings near the outer portion of the blade. The rotating disc prevents accumulation of the grass clippings beneath the disc and housing, and enhances airflow within the housing due to viscous drag or friction between the disc and the air within the housing. Deflectors carried by the disc are designed to further enhance airflows and generally deflect clippings back toward the blade for mulching.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a resilient knob by injection molding.

Abstract: An improved knob for attachment to a lever or the like having a knob body with a cavity formed therein, an extension operatively attached to the body and being biased toward the cavity. Operatively attached to the extension is a projection for engaging a mating portion on the lever and a tapered portion for enabling the knob to be easily removed from the lever. The preferred knob has the extension connected to the knob body so that the extension does not project very far below the cavity entrance. The knob of the present invention is preferably manufactured by injection molding in a single step operation. Once cured, the knob is removed from the mold in condition for assembly on an appropriate lever or the like. To effectuate assembly, an assembler simply places the knob on the lever or the like until the projection engages a mating portion thereof.

Abstract: An improved muffler system for mounting within a restricted engine compartment such as the engine compartment of a small off-road vehicle including a muffler surrounded by a heat shield having a plurality of apertures formed therein for selectively cooling selected certain areas of the engine compartment in conjunction with a venturi which creates a flow of cooling air from outside the engine compartment, over the engine, into the apertures, between the heat shield and the muffler to a point where the exhaust gas and the initially cooler air are mixed and subsequently exited into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A power take-off system and isolation mounting therefor including an isolation member mounted to a vehicle frame bracket. A support brace is fixably mounted to the isolation member. The support brace has mounted thereto a linear displaceable casting aligned to displace in a radial direction relative to the vehicle's engine torque shaft. The casting is biased in a nominal position. One end of a PTO shaft is rotatably supported within the casting. A first pulley is rotatably mounted to the PTO shaft in close proximity to the casting. The other end of the PTO shaft is rotatably mounted to a frame brace to permit limited pivoting of the PTO shaft thereabout. A second pulley and PTO clutch assembly is drivingly supported on the engine torque shaft and load supported by the support brace such that the belt tension loads between the first and second pulleys are isolated from the engine torque shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle has a rear mounted, air cooled engine. The engine has a fore-and-aft crankshaft and a cooling air fan is mounted to the front end of the crankshaft for drawing air in through an inlet in the front of a shroud for the engine. A transverse, vertical baffle is mounted so that its lower edge is in sealed engagement with the top of a forward portion of the shroud. A screen is mounted to the front side of the baffle and is shaped to cooperate with the baffle to define an open bottomed cavity which leads into an air duct mounted so as to channel air from the cavity to the shroud inlet. The screen is located just rearwardly of a seat mounted on the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle has a forward end portion which extends above a portion of an implement mounted to the front of the vehicle by a pair of hydraulically controlled lift arms. A latch link is connected to one and has a hook engageable with the other of the vehicle forward end portion and the implement when the implement is in a raised, inoperative position.

Abstract: A transmission control mechanism for a vehicle having a dual hydrostatic transmission vehicle drive system having a first and second lever mounted to respective displacement control rods of transmission pump units. A cross member communicates with the levers via connecting rods. A steering column is mounted to the cross member. The steering column is mounted in the vehicle such that it can experience simultaneous rotational and pivotal motion. Pivoting of the steering column causes the pump units to displace with a constant relative displacement, and rotation of the steering column causes the pumps to displace with a differential relative displacement.