Abstract: A mower deck automatic leveling system includes actuators that adjust the position of the mower deck at a plurality of different locations between the mower deck and vehicle frame at the selected cutting height, and sensors that calibrate the actuators by measuring the distance to a ground surface at a plurality of different locations on a mower deck at the selected cutting height.

Abstract: A method of forming an electrical cable assembly includes providing a multiconductor flat cable comprising wires arranged in a coplanar fashion with each other and encased within a planar dielectric structure, cutting a slot in the planar dielectric structure intermediate the wires, thereby forming wing features in the dielectric structure extending from the wires, removing portions of the dielectric structure from ends of the wires, wherein portions of wing features remain, attaching the exposed wires to terminals, wherein the terminals define prongs, and attaching the portions of the wing features to by inserting the prongs within holes defined in the portions of the wing features, thereby retaining the wires to the terminals.

Abstract: A method of forming a flexible circuit, including providing a flexible flat cable with a first surface and a second surface. The first surface of the flexible flat cable is diametrically opposed to the second surface. A dispensing apparatus including a nozzle is further provided, and an extruded material is dispensed through the nozzle onto the first surface of the flexible flat cable. The extruded material is shaped into a pattern and cured onto the first surface of the flexible flat cable.

Abstract: A wiring assembly including a flex circuit including a plastic laminate layer and a mount location configured to receive a fastener secured to a substrate. The wiring assembly further includes a flex circuit attachment feature, the flex circuit attachment feature including an extruded material bonded to the plastic laminate layer at the mount location. The flex circuit attachment feature provides a structural strength at the mount location and provides a cushion between the flex circuit and the substrate.

Abstract: A mower deck automatic leveling system includes actuators that adjust the position of the mower deck at a plurality of different locations between the mower deck and vehicle frame at the selected cutting height, and sensors that calibrate the actuators by measuring the distance to a ground surface at a plurality of different locations on a mower deck at the selected cutting height.

Abstract: A mower deck hillside adjustment system includes an angle sensor such as an inertial measurement unit mounted to the mower deck for measuring the angle of the mower deck on the roll axis. The angle from the sensor is used to command a left actuator and a right actuator to raise or lower the left side or right side of the mower deck respectively so each side of the mower deck is at the same height to compensate for tire squat and eliminate step cuts.

Abstract: A method of forming an electrical cable assembly includes providing a multiconductor flat cable comprising wires arranged in a coplanar fashion with each other and encased within a planar dielectric structure, cutting a slot in the planar dielectric structure intermediate the wires, thereby forming wing features in the dielectric structure extending from the wires, removing portions of the dielectric structure from ends of the wires, wherein portions of wing features remain, attaching the exposed wires to terminals, wherein the terminals define prongs, and attaching the portions of the wing features to by inserting the prongs within holes defined in the portions of the wing features, thereby retaining the wires to the terminals.

Abstract: An electrical cable assembly is presented herein. The electrical cable assembly includes a multiconductor flat cable including a first and second electrically conductive wire arranged in a coplanar fashion with each other and encased within a planar dielectric structure. A slot is defined in the planar dielectric structure intermediate the first and second wires, thereby forming first wing features in the dielectric structure extending from the first wire and second wing features extending from the second wire. Exposed portions of the first and second wires extend beyond the first and second wing features. A method of forming the electrical cable assembly, an apparatus for forming the electrical cable assembly, and an electrical terminal configured for use in the electrical cable assembly is also presented. The wing features may include holes and the terminals may include prongs to be received in the holes.

Abstract: A riding lawn equipment engine speed control module has user actuated buttons that may be used to select from a plurality of operating modes, each mode having a different non-overlapping range of engine speeds; specify an engine speed within each mode; and continuously increase or decrease engine speed within each mode.

Abstract: An electrical cable assembly is presented herein. The electrical cable assembly includes a multiconductor flat cable including a first and second electrically conductive wire arranged in a coplanar fashion with each other and encased within a planar dielectric structure. A slot is defined in the planar dielectric structure intermediate the first and second wires, thereby forming first wing features in the dielectric structure extending from the first wire and second wing features extending from the second wire. Exposed portions of the first and second wires extend beyond the first and second wing features. A method of forming the electrical cable assembly, an apparatus for forming the electrical cable assembly, and an electrical terminal configured for use in the electrical cable assembly is also presented.

Abstract: A mechanical front wheel drive roller wedging control system includes a 4WD switch in a vehicle operator station, a roller cage drag mechanism electrically activated by the 4WD switch and providing a drag on a roller cage if the 4WD switch is in an on position, and a throttle pedal switch actuated by the throttle pedal and that deactivates the roller cage drag mechanism when the throttle pedal is released. In an alternative embodiment, a controller may deactivate the roller cage drag mechanism when a throttle position sensor or engine speed sensor is below a minimum value.

Abstract: A mechanical front wheel drive roller wedging control system includes a 4WD switch in a vehicle operator station, a roller cage drag mechanism electrically activated by the 4WD switch and providing a drag on a roller cage if the 4WD switch is in an on position, and a throttle pedal switch actuated by the throttle pedal and that deactivates the roller cage drag mechanism when the throttle pedal is released. In an alternative embodiment, a controller may deactivate the roller cage drag mechanism when a throttle position sensor or engine speed sensor is below a minimum value.