Abstract: A regeneration energy shunt system utilizes a module to monitor the power bus voltage and can divert excess regeneration energy to a resistor array to dissipate the excess regeneration energy. The module can monitor the state of charge of an energy storage device to ascertain when excess regeneration energy condition exists. The resistor array can include a plurality of resistors. The module can ascertain the number of resistors needed dissipate the excess regeneration energy and selectively direct the excess regeneration energy to the required number of resistors. The module can dynamically switch which resistors are used to dissipate the excess regeneration energy and can thereby even out the loading across the resistors. The module can ascertain a state of health of the individual resistors and remove unhealthy resistors from service, report the state of health of the resistors, and initiate changes in operation based thereon.

Abstract: A turf maintenance vehicle all-wheel drive traction control system includes a primary wheel propelling the vehicle. A first motor rotates the primary wheel. A traction control system has a first portion communicating with the first motor to monitor either a first motor current demand or a rotational speed of the primary wheel or the first motor and generates a traction control value. A secondary wheel rotated by a second motor steers the vehicle in a vehicle non-slip condition. A traction control system second portion determines a secondary wheel steering angle value. A speed threshold limit stored in the traction control system compared to the traction control value generates a slippage occurrence message indicative of a primary wheel traction loss event. A second motor drive signal created by comparing the steering angle value and the slippage occurrence message energizes the second motor during the traction loss event.

Abstract: A regeneration energy shunt system utilizes a module to monitor the power bus voltage and can divert excess regeneration energy to a resistor array to dissipate the excess regeneration energy. The module can monitor the state of charge of an energy storage device to ascertain when excess regeneration energy condition exists. The resistor array can include a plurality of resistors. The module can ascertain the number of resistors needed dissipate the excess regeneration energy and selectively direct the excess regeneration energy to the required number of resistors. The module can dynamically switch which resistors are used to dissipate the excess regeneration energy and can thereby even out the loading across the resistors. The module can ascertain a state of health of the individual resistors and remove unhealthy resistors from service, report the state of health of the resistors, and initiate changes in operation based thereon.

Abstract: A regeneration energy shunt system utilizes a module to monitor the power bus voltage and can divert excess regeneration energy to a resistor array to dissipate the excess regeneration energy. The module can monitor the state of charge of a rechargeable power source to ascertain when excess regeneration energy condition exists. The resistor array can include a plurality of resistors. The module can ascertain the number of resistors needed dissipate the excess regeneration energy and selectively direct the excess regeneration energy to the required number of resistors. The module can dynamically switch which resistors are used to dissipate the excess regeneration energy and can thereby even out the loading across the resistors. The module can ascertain a state of health of the individual resistors and remove unhealthy resistors from service, report the state of health of the resistors, and initiate changes in operation based thereon.

Abstract: A turf cutting unit includes a reel assembly mounted to a frame and having a plurality of reel blades rotatable about a reel axis extending substantially parallel to the ground. A drivingly rotatable groomer includes a plurality of spaced apart and substantially vertically oriented cutting plates. An adjustment mechanism is operable to move the reel assembly relative to the turf to set a turf cutting height. The adjustment mechanism is operable to adjust the position of the cutting plates to set a depth of cut that the groomer cutting plates engage the turf. The adjustment mechanism limits a maximum depth of cut of the groomer cutting plates based on the cutting height of the reel assembly. A method of operating a turf cutting unit is also discussed.

Abstract: A riding mower assembly may include a mower frame, first and second wheels, and a steering assembly. The steering assembly may include a steering frame member fixed to the mower frame, a first steering arm rotatably coupled to a first end of the steering frame member and having the first wheel coupled thereto, a second steering arm rotatably coupled to a second end of the steering frame member and having the second wheel coupled thereto, an actuation mechanism, and a cross-member. The actuation mechanism may include a first end coupled to the steering frame member and a second end coupled to the first steering arm. The actuation mechanism may include a motor having an actuation arm extending therefrom that rotates the first steering arm. The cross-member may have a first end coupled to the first steering arm and a second end coupled to the second steering arm.

Abstract: A universal attachment assembly is operable to couple turf maintenance implements of varying widths to a turf maintenance vehicle. The attachment assembly can include a yoke member that can be attached to a coupling member in various locations. The different locations can accommodate varying widths of the turf maintenance implements that are coupled to the turf maintenance vehicle with the yoke member. The yoke member can also be positioned in different orientations relative to the coupling member in both the first and second positions. The different orientations can correspond to an operating position and a servicing position for the turf maintenance implement.

Abstract: A turf maintenance vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and an energy converting device that converts mechanical energy from the engine to electric energy. The vehicle also includes at least one subsystem powered by the electric energy from the energy converting device. The vehicle further includes a demand sensor that detects electrical demand from the subsystem. Also, the vehicle includes a controller that changes a speed range of the engine based on the electrical demand, which changes the operating voltage range output from the energy converting device. A method of operation of the vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A universal attachment assembly is operable to couple turf maintenance implements of varying widths to a turf maintenance vehicle. The attachment assembly can include a yoke member that can be attached to a coupling member in various locations. The different locations can accommodate varying widths of the turf maintenance implements that are coupled to the turf maintenance vehicle with the yoke member. The yoke member can also be positioned in different orientations relative to the coupling member in both the first and second positions. The different orientations can correspond to an operating position and a servicing position for the turf maintenance implement.

Abstract: A regeneration energy shunt system utilizes a module to monitor the power bus voltage and can divert excess regeneration energy to a resistor array to dissipate the excess regeneration energy. The module can monitor the state of charge of a rechargeable power source to ascertain when excess regeneration energy condition exists. The resistor array can include a plurality of resistors. The module can ascertain the number of resistors needed dissipate the excess regeneration energy and selectively direct the excess regeneration energy to the required number of resistors. The module can dynamically switch which resistors are used to dissipate the excess regeneration energy and can thereby even out the loading across the resistors. The module can ascertain a state of health of the individual resistors and remove unhealthy resistors from service, report the state of health of the resistors, and initiate changes in operation based thereon.

Abstract: A turf maintenance vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and an energy converting device that converts mechanical energy from the engine to electric energy. The vehicle also includes at least one subsystem powered by the electric energy from the energy converting device. The vehicle further includes a demand sensor that detects electrical demand from the subsystem. Also, the vehicle includes a controller that changes a speed range of the engine based on the electrical demand, which changes the operating voltage range output from the energy converting device. A method of operation of the vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A turf maintenance vehicle all-wheel drive traction control system includes a primary wheel propelling the vehicle. A first motor rotates the primary wheel. A traction control system has a first portion communicating with the first motor to monitor either a first motor current demand or a rotational speed of the primary wheel or the first motor and generates a traction control value. A secondary wheel rotated by a second motor steers the vehicle in a vehicle non-slip condition. A traction control system second portion determines a secondary wheel steering angle value. A speed threshold limit stored in the traction control system compared to the traction control value generates a slippage occurrence message indicative of a primary wheel traction loss event. A second motor drive signal created by comparing the steering angle value and the slippage occurrence message energizes the second motor during the traction loss event.

Abstract: A riding mower assembly may include a mower frame, first and second wheels, and a steering assembly. The steering assembly may include a steering frame member fixed to the mower frame, a first steering arm rotatably coupled to a first end of the steering frame member and having the first wheel coupled thereto, a second steering arm rotatably coupled to a second end of the steering frame member and having the second wheel coupled thereto, an actuation mechanism, and a cross-member. The actuation mechanism may include a first end coupled to the steering frame member and a second end coupled to the first steering arm. The actuation mechanism may include a motor having an actuation arm extending therefrom that rotates the first steering arm. The cross-member may have a first end coupled to the first steering arm and a second end coupled to the second steering arm.

Abstract: A turf cutting unit includes a reel assembly having a plurality of blades rotatable relative to the ground. A groomer includes a plurality of spaced apart and vertically oriented cutting plates fixed to a driven shaft. The groomer is moveable between a first position where the cutting plates engage the turf and a second position where the cutting plates are spaced apart from the turf. A method of operating a turf cutting unit is also described.

Abstract: A turf cutting unit includes a reel assembly mounted to a frame and having a plurality of reel blades rotatable about a reel axis extending substantially parallel to the ground. A drivingly rotatable groomer includes a plurality of spaced apart and substantially vertically oriented cutting plates. An adjustment mechanism is operable to move the reel assembly relative to the turf to set a turf cutting height. The adjustment mechanism is operable to adjust the position of the cutting plates to set a depth of cut that the groomer cutting plates engage the turf. The adjustment mechanism limits a maximum depth of cut of the groomer cutting plates based on the cutting height of the reel assembly. A method of operating a turf cutting unit is also discussed.

Abstract: Real-mower accessories according to the present teachings are electrically driven. The electrically powered accessories use electric motors that can be operated independently of the transport wheels of the mower. Electrically powered accessories can use the on-board power source of the mower to which it is attached along with the control assembly thereon. The electrically powered accessories enable rotational rates and direction of rotation of the components of the electrically powered accessories to be easily adjusted and changed independently of other components of the mower. The electrically powered accessories can provide a more efficiently powered accessory. The electrically powered accessories can allow a user to independently verify the speed and direction of the electrically powered accessory relative to the other electrically powered accessories or other electrically driven components of the mower.

Abstract: A vehicle safety device comprising an inflatable occupant restraint bag which is comprised of at least two different materials, one having a range of permeability to the inflating fluid of the restraint bag which is different from the range of inflating fluid permeability of the other, and wherein the overall inflating fluid permeability of the restraint bag is within a given design range.