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 wound therapy device comprising a head and a surgical drape. The head comprises a planar flange portion and a tubular connector piece on a first face that communicates with an aperture extending to a second face. The second face is formed with projections that define flow channels for facilitating flow of liquids to and from the aperture.

Abstract: Voltage level shifting circuits have circuit devices coupled across sourcing output transistors to improve the switching speed of the low voltage to high voltage output transition. These circuit devices permit sourcing and sinking output transistors to be sized for optimal switching speed of the high voltage to low voltage output transition.

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 frame of a mower supports wheel assemblies, a propulsion unit, and a mowing deck. Each wheel assembly is associated with a corresponding wheel, a corresponding electrical steering motor, and a corresponding electrical drive motor. A controller controls a direction of orientation of the corresponding wheel via the corresponding electrical steering motor. Further, the controller controls the application of electrical energy to the corresponding drive motor consistent with maneuverable movement of the mower. The propulsion unit is capable of rotating at least one cutting blade. A mowing deck houses the at least one cutting blade. The mowing deck has indentations to provide a spatial zone for the plurality of wheel assemblies.

Abstract: A method for operating a mower comprises defining a reference axis of rotation at a desired point along a path segment of the mower. A controller orients wheels of the mower generally tangentially to a circular region about the reference axis. A drive motor applies rotational mechanical energy to one or more of the wheels to rotate the mower by a desired angular amount about the reference axis.

Abstract: A wound therapy combination comprising a suction head and a surgical drape. The suction head comprises a planar flange portion and a tubular connector piece on a first face that communicates with an aperture extending to a second face. The second face is formed with projections that define flow channels for facilitating flow of liquids to the aperture.

Abstract: A system and method for the temporary closure of a wound, especially an abdominal wound, to facilitate re-entry, final closure, and long term healing of the wound. An abdominal wound dressing and methods of use are described that enable the application of negative pressure to the wound site in a site healing promoting manner while also limiting the formation of adhesions that would prevent the removal of the dressing. The dressing comprises a layer of porous foam material (36) enclosed by sheets of elastomeric material (38) punctuated by a number of appropriately placed holes (34). Multiple layers of porous foam may also be used. A suction tube connector (16) is provided on an upper surface of a layer of foam (12) for connection to a negative pressure source. At least one layer of foam is enclosed in elastomeric material and is placed in direct contact with the tissue within the open wound. Fluids are drawn by negative pressure through the holes positioned in the elastomeric envelope, and through the foam.

Abstract: A chemical pulp which contains reactants capable of generating dioxirane within the pulp is produced in a process which comprises mixing a pulp with reactants comprising a carbonyl compound, preferably acetone, and an oxygen donor, preferably monoperoxysulfate, in proportions which produce a water-soluble dioxirane having a molecular diameter of less than 140 angstrom units. Such a pulp bleaching process which employs dioxirane as a bleaching agent is rendered environmentally and economically acceptable by recycling the reactants employed to produce the dioxirane.