Abstract: The self-engaging, solenoid-releasable with manual override, latch is designed for use in a variety of applications. As such, the latch accepts the striker peg of the load when misaligned, and the latch accommodates bouncing, sideways laoding, etc of the load, without springing open.

Abstract: A single-stage snowblower (20) is designed as an accessory for attachment to an electric tractor, and takes power from the batteries on the tractor. The rotary drum (24) of the snowblower, which carries the spiral blade (25), is driven by two electric motors (36L, 36R). The motors lie inside the hollow interior of the drum (24), and drive the drum directly, without chains or gears. The drum (24) has no bearings other than the motor bearings provided inside the motor housing. The ends of the motors are fixed to the snowblower housing. Walk behind versions of the snowblower are also disclosed. In a different version an anti-personnel-mine clearing flail-drum (74) is pushed ahead of an electric tractor (72) by forward-extending struts. The flail-drum is rotated by motors located inside the drum. Other appliances can make up a train of appliances, ahead of the tractor.

Abstract: The lawn and garden tractor has independent electric motors for both driven wheels. The motors are combined with reduction gearboxes, and the wheel is mounted on the output shaft of the gearbox. There is no mechanical axle connection. The power to the motors is controlled by an automatic controller as to wheel speed, power being increased/decreased in accordance with whether the wheels are under-running or over-running relative to manually-controlled speed setting. Steering is controlled by potentiometer on a mechanical steering wheel, or by joy-stick control. The joystick may be on the tractor, or remote. The drive system is suitable also for four-wheel drive.

Abstract: The lawn end garden tractor has independent electric motors for both driven wheels. The motors are combined with reduction gearboxes, and the wheel is mounted on the output shaft of the gearbox. There is no mechanical axle connection. The power to the motors is controlled by an automatic controller as to wheel speed, power being increased/decreased in accordance with whether the wheels are under-running or overrunning relative to manually-controlled speed setting. Steering is controlled by potentiometer on a mechanical steering wheel or by joystick control. The joystick may be on the tractor, or remote. The drive system is suitable also for four-wheel drive.

Abstract: A battery-powered grass mower (12) is hitched to en electric garden tractor (10). The hitching system has arms (27) pivoted (29) to the tractor, which can be raised and lowered by means of ah electric actuator strut (45). To hitch, the tractor is maneuvered until pegs (30) pivoted on the arms are poised above sockets (20) on the mower; then, using the electric actuator, the arms are lowered, driving the pegs into the sockets. Once firmly engaged, a latch (36) engages and retains the pegs into the sockets. The latch is releasable electrically. All aspects of hitching and unhitching are under remote control from the driver's seat.