Abstract: A shift interlock mechanism that requires an operator to press a brake mechanism before changing transmission gears to prevent extra motion in the transmission, insuring a smoother shifting operation. The shift interlock mechanism with a brake arm that moves in a first direction to stop motion of at least a first ground engaging drive wheel and a shift arm that moves in a second direction to change movement of a vehicle.

Abstract: A string trimmer having the entrance to the air filter generally facing away from the forward direction of travel. Further, the filter intake is generally planar and is angled downwardly away from the plane normal to the direction of travel. The cross-sectional area of the filter intake is sized so as to reduce the velocity of air flowing through the filter intake.

Abstract: A shift interlock mechanism that requires an operator to press a brake mechanism before changing transmission gears to prevent extra motion in the transmission, insuring a smoother shifting operation. The shift interlock mechanism with a brake arm that moves in a first direction to stop motion of at least a first ground engaging drive wheel and a shift arm that moves in a second direction to change movement of a vehicle.

Abstract: A vegetation mower incorporating a drive train using two mechanical transmissions to selectively drive the ground engaging wheels at different speeds. The drive train incorporates a single pulley belt to transfer power from the mower engine to the drive wheels.

Abstract: A riding lawn mower having zero turn capabilities has the engine mounted on the front of the frame. A drive system includes first and second hydrostatic transmissions for use in driving the back wheels. A grass bag may be mounted to the back portion of the frame and provides a counter balance to maximize the weight distribution. A discharge chute transfers cut vegetation from a mower deck to the grass bag and provides rear center discharge.

Abstract: A modular engine design system utilizes selectively replaceable components whereby a family of related engines having varying power outputs may be produced. A first series of engines utilizes a common piston operable in a cylinder of first predetermined dimensions. The engine design may utilize a first or second crankshaft/connecting rod combination to vary the power output. A modified engine design utilizes a second cylinder in addition to the first cylinder. A second series of engines utilizes a larger piston operable in a cylinder of second predetermined dimensions. The second series of engines shares a common engine design scheme with the first series of engines. However, corresponding parts are adapted for use with the larger piston/cylinder combination. The second series of engines may likewise utilize a first or second crankshaft/connecting rod combination to vary the power output.

Abstract: A modular engine design system utilizes selectively replaceable components whereby a family of related engines having varying power outputs may be produced. A first series of engines utilizes a common piston operable in a cylinder of first predetermined dimensions. The engine design may utilize a first or second crankshaft/connecting rod combination to vary the power output. A modified engine design utilizes a second cylinder in addition to the first cylinder. A second series of engines utilizes a larger piston operable in a cylinder of second predetermined dimensions. The second series of engines shares a common engine design scheme with the first series of engines. However, corresponding parts are adapted for use with the larger piston/cylinder combination. The second series of engines may likewise utilize a first or second crankshaft/connecting rod combination to vary the power output. Within each series of engines, modular design concepts are utilized to provide a range of power outputs.

Abstract: A variable speed mechanism for propelling an associated lawn mowing apparatus has a variable pitch pulley assembly, a belt which connects the variable pitch pulley assembly to a transmission, a control arm assembly for controlling the variable pitch pulley assembly, and a speed selector for selectively adjusting the control arm assembly. The speed selector is positioned corresponding to the desired lawn mowing apparatus ground speed. This creates tension in a cable which moves a control arm. When the control arm is moved, it rotates about a pivot shaft adjusting the position of a bearing cup which, in turn, adjusts the position of the moveable pulley half within variable pitch pulley assembly. Once the pulley assembly has been positioned, the effective belt diameter is set. If the effective belt diameter is increased, the speed supplied to the transmission is increased assuming a fixed pulley size on the transmission input.

Abstract: A string trimmer having the entrance to the air filter generally facing away from the forward direction of travel. Further, the filter intake is generally planar and is angled downwardly away from the plane normal to the direction of travel. The cross-sectional area of the filter intake is sized so as to reduce the velocity of air flowing through the filter intake.

Abstract: A torque converter with a clutch mechanism in combination wherein an axially movable sheave is movable toward and away from an opposed fixed sheave, the sheaves accomodating a belt therebetween, the movable sheave being movable in accordance with movement of a centrifugal speed responsive device adjacent the movable sheave to vary the effective pitch diameter of the pair of sheaves having their opposed faces engageable by the belt, and in which a clutch mechanism axially aligned with and mounted on the torque converter is actuatable to move the movable sheave from a non-driving position wherein the belt is not in driving engagement with the sheaves to a driving position wherein the belt is in driving engagement with the sheaves, the sheaves being resiliently biased axially apart and the clutch mechanism being resiliently biased away from the movable sheave.

Abstract: A mounting (12) for the throttle lever (13) and the dead-man control lever (22) to the handle (11) of an appliance such as a lawn mower, and including a locking bolt (30) carried by a leaf spring (27) to interfere with the movement of the dead-man control lever (22) so as to insure against accidental or unintentional movement of the dead-man control from one position to another.