Abstract: A hydraulic valve assembly configured for controlling the elevation and operation of a mowing deck of a power mower. The valve assembly includes a housing having a valve spool positionable in four positions, a cylinder activation position, a neutral position, a cylinder relief and motor start position, and a motor run position. In the cylinder activation position pump pressure is connected to a deck raising cylinder. In the neutral position, a status quo is maintained, and pump is vented to tank. In the cylinder relief and motor start position, the mowing deck, if elevated, is lowered under its own weight by relieving pressure on the deck cylinder, and the mowing motor is started in operation under low pressure. In the motor run position, the motor is connected to high pressure, and the deck cylinder continues to be vented to tank.

Abstract: An improved sequence-and-relief valve comprises a housing (60), a plurality of conduits (42/44, 46, 53) opening into a bore (62) within the housing, a valve cartridge (64) with the bore, the valve cartridge having a central bore (66) in which a valve element (76) may be moved into and out of contact with seat (74) to control flow from a cylinder port (70) to a tank port (72) in response to changes in pressure acting at pump port (68) or at cylinder port (70). See FIG. 2.

Abstract: An electromagnetic assembly includes a core having an inner cylindrical portion and an outer cylindrical portion spaced from the inner cylindrical portion to provide space or a cavity for a bobbin. The bobbin is adapted to fit into the space provided in the core and has an elongated cylindrical body, a coil of wire wound around the body, and a flange at each end of the body for holding the coil on the body. A portion of one flange extends from the bobbin and overlaps a portion of the core. The bobbin is held in the core cavity by an interference fit provided between the overlapping, extended flange portion and the overlapped core portion.

Abstract: An electrical connector has a body of molded insulating material for fixedly holding a plurality of electrical conductors in the body. The connector body has openings with axial and radial passageways provided for axially or radially inserting or removing the conductors. A plurality of hinges are integral with the body and adjacent each opening for enlarging the adjacent opening in order to easily insert or remove conductors. The body is resiliently held in place by means of a seal disposed against an end wall of the body. Two or more elongated tabs are disposed opposite from one another and integral with an outer wall of the body for manipulating the outer wall to easily insert or remove the electrical connector from an electrical connector cavity.

Abstract: A hydraulic control valve comprises a housing having inlet and exhaust ports, first and second motor ports, and passageways interconnecting the ports. A shiftable valve element has an internal flow passage and four operative positions for controlling flow through said passageways. In the first position, the inlet and exhaust ports are interconnected and each motor port is isolated from the other ports. In the second and third positions, the inlet port is isolated from the exhaust port and is connected with the first and second motor ports, respectively, while the exhaust port is connected with the second and first motor ports, respectively. In the fourth position, the two motor ports are interconnected and this interconnection is in restricted communication with the exhaust port. A check valve is located in the internal flow passage for preventing flow from the first motor port to the exhaust port when the valve element is moved between the first and second positions.