Abstract: An electric motor features liquid cooling capability. A rotor and a secondary rotor are coupled to a shaft for rotation therewith. The rotor comprises a first annular member and magnets secured to the first annular member. The secondary rotor comprises a second annular member and secondary magnets secured to the second annular member. A stator is spaced axially apart from the rotor and the secondary rotor. The stator comprises a plurality of generally planar windings secured to a magnetic core and a secondary planar windings secured to a secondary magnetic core. The magnetic core has at least one cooling channel.

Abstract: A suspension system for a seat of a vehicle comprises a base, a linkage, and a seat attached to the base via the linkage. A pneumatic shock absorber provides a respective resistance level against movement of the seat with respect to the base based on a corresponding pressure level of air or gas within the pneumatic shock absorber. A set of cylindrical members are spaced apart beneath the seat. A tension member is arranged to engage the cylindrical members. The tension member is attached to the seat via a bracket. An electric motor is capable of driving one of the cylindrical members. A first sensor is arranged to detect first sensor data associated with an instantaneous position of the seat versus time. A controller generates a first control signal for the electric motor to change a height of the seat in opposition to a change in the instantaneous position of the seat and a second control signal to change the pressure level.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle including plurality of engines, a plurality of mechanical loads, a plurality of electrical generators, a plurality of electrical loads, at least one load sensor, and a controller. The plurality of engines includes a first engine and a second engine. The plurality of mechanical loads includes a first mechanical load and a second mechanical load. The first mechanical load is coupled to the first engine and a second mechanical load is coupled to the second engine. The plurality of electrical generators includes a first generator and a second generator. The first generator is coupled to the first engine and the second generator is coupled to the second engine. The plurality of electrical loads can be separately coupled to the first generator or the second generator.

Abstract: A hybrid utility vehicle includes a tool-supporting frame and an electrical power source driven by an engine. Right and left rear wheels independently driven by permanent magnet electric motors and front wheels electrically steerable over a range of approximately 180 degrees operate under the control of a vehicle controller responsive to steering and speed input controls to provide zero turn radius operation with minimum slippage and tire scuffing. Space efficiency provided by the electric steering and an electrically driven tool deck facilitate a variety of tool mounting configurations including a rear discharge deck with a chute passing under the vehicle frame between the driven wheels. An inverter connected to the electrical power source provides 110/220 volt output. The power source also functions as a high powered, high rpm, low noise starter motor.

Abstract: A suspension system for a seat of a vehicle comprises a base, a linkage, and a seat attached to the base via the linkage. A pneumatic shock absorber provides a respective resistance level against movement of the seat with respect to the base based on a corresponding pressure level of air or gas within the pneumatic shock absorber. An output member of a linear motor is connected to the seat via a bracket. A first sensor is arranged to detect first sensor data associated with an instantaneous position of the seat versus time. A controller generates at least one of a first control signal for the linear motor to change a height of the seat in opposition to a change in the instantaneous position of the seat and a second control signal to change the pressure level.

Abstract: A suspension system for a seat of a vehicle comprises a base, a linkage, and a seat attached to the base via the linkage. A pneumatic shock absorber provides a respective resistance level against movement of the seat with respect to the base based on a corresponding pressure level of air or gas within the pneumatic shock absorber. A set of cylindrical members are spaced apart beneath the seat. A tension member is arranged to engage the cylindrical members. The tension member is attached to the seat via a bracket. An electric motor is capable of driving one of the cylindrical members. A first sensor is arranged to detect first sensor data associated with an instantaneous position of the seat versus time. A controller generates a first control signal for the electric motor to change a height of the seat in opposition to a change in the instantaneous position of the seat and a second control signal to change the pressure level.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle including plurality of engines, a plurality of mechanical loads, a plurality of electrical generators, a plurality of electrical loads, at least one load sensor, and a controller. The plurality of engines includes a first engine and a second engine. The plurality of mechanical loads includes a first mechanical load and a second mechanical load. The first mechanical load is coupled to the first engine and a second mechanical load is coupled to the second engine. The plurality of electrical generators includes a first generator and a second generator. The first generator is coupled to the first engine and the second generator is coupled to the second engine. The plurality of electrical loads can be separately coupled to the first generator or the second generator.

Abstract: A hybrid utility vehicle includes a tool-supporting frame and an electrical power source driven by an engine. Right and left rear wheels independently driven by permanent magnet electric motors and front wheels electrically steerable over a range of approximately 180 degrees operate under the control of a vehicle controller responsive to steering and speed input controls to provide zero turn radius operation with minimum slippage and tire scuffing. Space efficiency provided by the electric steering and an electrically driven tool deck facilitate a variety of tool mounting configurations including a rear discharge deck with a chute passing under the vehicle frame between the driven wheels. An inverter connected to the electrical power source provides 110/220 volt output. The power source also functions as a high powered, high rpm, low noise starter motor.

Abstract: A hybrid utility vehicle includes a tool-supporting frame and an electrical power source driven by an engine. Right and left rear wheels independently driven by permanent magnet electric motors and front wheels electrically steerable over a range of approximately 180 degrees operate under the control of a vehicle controller responsive to steering and speed input controls to provide zero turn radius operation with minimum slippage and tire scuffing. Space efficiency provided by the electric. steering and an electrically driven tool deck facilitate a variety of tool mounting configurations including a rear discharge deck with a chute passing under the vehicle frame between the driven wheels. An inverter connected to the electrical power source provides 110/220 volt output. The power source also functions as a high powered, high rpm, low noise starter motor.

Abstract: A suspension system for a seat of a vehicle comprises a base, a linkage, and a seat attached to the base via the linkage. A pneumatic shock absorber provides a respective resistance level against movement of the seat with respect to the base based on a corresponding pressure level of air or gas within the pneumatic shock absorber. A set of cylindrical members are spaced apart beneath the seat. A tension member is arranged to engage the cylindrical members. The tension member is attached to the seat via a bracket. An electric motor is capable of driving one of the cylindrical members. A first sensor is arranged to detect first sensor data associated with an instantaneous position of the seat versus time. A controller generates a first control signal for the electric motor to change a height of the seat in opposition to a change in the instantaneous position of the seat and a second control signal to change the pressure level.

Abstract: An input circuit for a tractor includes one or more switches having open and closed positions, based on operating characteristics of the tractor, and a power transistor drawing a threshold current through the switches during short intervals during which the switch states are sensed by a microcontroller.

Abstract: A hybrid utility vehicle includes a tool-supporting frame and an electrical power source driven by an engine. Right and left rear wheels independently driven by permanent magnet electric motors and front wheels electrically steerable over a range of approximately 180 degrees operate under the control of a vehicle controller responsive to steering and speed input controls to provide zero turn radius operation with minimum slippage and tire scuffing. Space efficiency provided by the electric. steering and an electrically driven tool deck facilitate a variety of tool mounting configurations including a rear discharge deck with a chute passing under the vehicle frame between the driven wheels. An inverter connected to the electrical power source provides 110/220 volt output. The power source also functions as a high powered, high rpm, low noise starter motor.

Abstract: An electric motor features liquid cooling capability. A rotor and a secondary rotor are coupled to a shaft for rotation therewith. The rotor comprises a first annular member and magnets secured to the first annular member. The secondary rotor comprises a second annular member and secondary magnets secured to the second annular member. A stator is spaced axially apart from the rotor and the secondary rotor. The stator comprises a plurality of generally planar windings secured to a magnetic core and a secondary planar windings secured to a secondary magnetic core. The magnetic core has at least one cooling channel.

Abstract: An electric motor features liquid cooling capability. A rotor is coupled to a shaft for rotation therewith. The rotor comprises a first annular member and magnets secured to the first annular member. A stator is spaced axially apart from the rotor. The stator comprises one or more generally planar windings bonded to a first side of a magnetic core. A cover is secured to a second side of the magnetic core. The second side is opposite the first side. The magnetic core has at least one cooling channel in the second side of the magnetic core, the cooling channel adapted to receive a liquid coolant.

Abstract: A suspension system for a seat of a vehicle comprises a base, a linkage, and a seat attached to the base via the linkage. A pneumatic shock absorber provides a respective resistance level against movement of the seat with respect to the base based on a corresponding pressure level of air or gas within the pneumatic shock absorber. An output member of a linear motor is connected to the seat via a bracket. A first sensor is arranged to detect first sensor data associated with an instantaneous position of the seat versus time. A controller generates at least one of a first control signal for the linear motor to change a height of the seat in opposition to a change in the instantaneous position of the seat and a second control signal to change the pressure level.

Abstract: A suspension system for a seat of a vehicle comprises a base, a linkage, and a seat attached to the base via the linkage. A pneumatic shock absorber provides a respective resistance level against movement of the seat with respect to the base based on a corresponding pressure level of air or gas within the pneumatic shock absorber. A set of cylindrical members are spaced apart beneath the seat. A tension member is arranged to engage the cylindrical members. The tension member is attached to the seat via a bracket. An electric motor is capable of driving one of the cylindrical members. A first sensor is arranged to detect first sensor data associated with an instantaneous position of the seat versus time. A controller generates a first control signal for the electric motor to change a height of the seat in opposition to a change in the instantaneous position of the seat and a second control signal to change the pressure level.

Abstract: An interlock circuit on a mowing vehicle or tractor deactivates the engine if a signal from a single backup sensor is interrupted. The mowing vehicle or tractor has an engine, an electric power source to provide electric current to a magneto and an ignition, a transmission connected to the engine and having forward, neutral and reverse operations, a controllable tool drive (PTO) connected to the engine for powering an accessory, and a single backup sensor to provide a signal if no object is detected behind the vehicle. A reverse sensing switch is movable between a first position if the transmission is in forward or neutral, and a second position if the transmission is in reverse. A PTO switch is movable between an on condition for activating the PTO and an off position for deactivating the PTO.

Abstract: A hybrid utility vehicle includes a tool-supporting frame and an electrical power source driven by an engine. Right and left rear wheels independently driven by permanent magnet electric motors and front wheels electrically steerable over a range of approximately 180 degrees operate under the control of a vehicle controller responsive to steering and speed input controls to provide zero turn radius operation with minimum slippage and tire scuffing. Space efficiency provided by the electric steering and an electrically driven tool deck facilitate a variety of tool mounting configurations including a rear discharge deck with a chute passing under the vehicle frame between the driven wheels. An inverter connected to the electrical power source provides 110/220 volt output. The power source also functions as a high powered, high rpm, low noise starter motor.

Abstract: A PTO switch for the attachment drive of a lawn and garden tractor includes a solenoid activated detent to retain the normally off switch in an on position. The switch includes an interlock override position for permitting a function such as mow in reverse. An interlock circuit interrupts drive to the attachment under certain conditions. Once drive is interrupted for any reason, the solenoid deactivates and the switch is moved to the off position so that PTO switch position corresponds to attachment drive condition, even when the drive is interrupted by means other than movement of the switch.

Abstract: A PTO switch for the attachment drive of a lawn and garden tractor includes a solenoid activated detent to retain the normally off switch in an on position. The switch includes an interlock override position for permitting a function such as mow in reverse. An interlock circuit interrupts drive to the attachment under certain conditions. Once drive is interrupted for any reason, the solenoid deactivates and the switch is moved to the off position so that PTO switch position corresponds to attachment drive condition, even when the drive is interrupted by means other than movement of the switch.