Abstract: A riveted joint is described herein. The riveted joint includes a first component and a second component. The first component includes a first opening, and a plurality of first tabs and a plurality of first notches defined along a periphery of the first opening. The second component includes a second opening aligned with the first opening. The second component further includes a plurality of second tabs defined along a periphery of the second opening, wherein at least one second tab is aligned with at least one first notch to define an interlock zone when the first and second components are in a predetermined orientation relative to each other. The joint also includes a rivet extending through the first and second openings. The rivet is configured to secure the at least one second tab within the at least one first notch such that the first and second components are rotationally interlocked.

Abstract: A discharge guard assembly for a mower includes a cutter housing having an opening for discharging cuttings. A guard is hingedly attached to the housing so that the guard can move between a closed position and an open position. A latch contacts a stop on the guard to hold the guard in the closed position to allow the mower to operate in a mulching configuration. The latch is movable to an unlatched position in which the guard is free to rotate to the open position to allow cuttings to be discharged through the opening in the housing.

Abstract: A riveted joint is described herein. The riveted joint includes a first component and a second component. The first component includes a first opening, and a plurality of first tabs and a plurality of first notches defined along a periphery of the first opening. The second component includes a second opening aligned with the first opening. The second component further includes a plurality of second tabs defined along a periphery of the second opening, wherein at least one second tab is aligned with at least one first notch to define an interlock zone when the first and second components are in a predetermined orientation relative to each other. The joint also includes a rivet extending through the first and second openings. The rivet is configured to secure the at least one second tab within the at least one first notch such that the first and second components are rotationally interlocked.

Abstract: A discharge guard assembly for a mower includes a cutter housing having an opening for discharging cuttings. A guard is hingedly attached to the housing so that the guard can move between a closed position and an open position. A latch contacts a stop on the guard to hold the guard in the closed position to allow the mower to operate in a mulching configuration. The latch is movable to an unlatched position in which the guard is free to rotate to the open position to allow cuttings to be discharged through the opening in the housing.

Abstract: Control devices and systems for self-propelled machinery and related methods are disclosed. In one aspect, a control device for self-propelled machinery includes a central portion disposed between a first gripping portion and a second gripping portion and at least one pressure sensitive trigger control provided over either the first or the second gripping portion. The trigger control can be configured to reduce a speed of the self-propelled machinery by actuating a portion of a potentiometer for varying an electrical signal carried by the control device. In some aspects, the control device can electrically communicate with a control unit of the self-propelled machinery.

Abstract: Variable speed control systems and methods for walk-behind working machines, such as lawnmowers and similar powered machines, can include a control lever with a lever arm that is selectively pivotable with respect to a machine handle between a first angular position at which a grip portion of the control lever is spaced apart from the handle by a first angle and a second angular position at which the control lever is proximate to the handle to control the working machine to be in one of a range of operating states corresponding to the angular position of the control lever. A control lever adjustment system is configured to selectively adjust the first angle to adjust a total possible angular travel of the control lever between the first angular position and the second angular position. In this way, an operator can set a range of operating states of the working machine.

Abstract: Variable speed control systems and methods for walk-behind working machines, such as lawnmowers and similar powered machines, can include a control system base, a handle having a recess formed in an edge thereof, a control lever including a lever arm that is pivotably attached to the control system base and includes a grip portion, and a control connector connected between the control lever and a machine component. The control lever can be selectively pivotable with respect to the control system base between a first angular position at which the grip portion of the control lever is spaced apart from the handle to control the machine component to be in a first operating state and a second angular position at which at least a portion of the grip portion is positioned within the recess of the handle to control the machine component to be in a second operating state.

Abstract: Variable speed control systems and methods for walk-behind working machines, such as lawnmowers and similar powered machines, can include a control lever with a lever arm that is selectively pivotable with respect to a machine handle between a first angular position at which a grip portion of the control lever is spaced apart from the handle by a first angle and a second angular position at which the control lever is proximate to the handle to control the working machine to be in one of a range of operating states corresponding to the angular position of the control lever. A control lever adjustment system is configured to selectively adjust the first angle to adjust a total possible angular travel of the control lever between the first angular position and the second angular position. In this way, an operator can set a range of operating states of the working machine.

Abstract: Variable speed control systems and methods for walk-behind working machines, such as lawnmowers and similar powered machines, can include a control system base, a handle having a recess formed in an edge thereof, a control lever including a lever arm that is pivotably attached to the control system base and includes a grip portion, and a control connector connected between the control lever and a machine component. The control lever can be selectively pivotable with respect to the control system base between a first angular position at which the grip portion of the control lever is spaced apart from the handle to control the machine component to be in a first operating state and a second angular position at which at least a portion of the grip portion is positioned within the recess of the handle to control the machine component to be in a second operating state.

Abstract: Control devices and systems for self-propelled machinery and related methods are disclosed. In one aspect, a control device for self-propelled machinery includes a central portion disposed between a first gripping portion and a second gripping portion and at least one pressure sensitive trigger control provided over either the first or the second gripping portion. The trigger control can be configured to reduce a speed of the self-propelled machinery by actuating a portion of a potentiometer for varying an electrical signal carried by the control device. In some aspects, the control device can electrically communicate with a control unit of the self-propelled machinery.

Abstract: Snowblower deflector control devices, systems, and methods are provided. In one aspect, a snowblower deflector control device can be externally disposed from a machine handle of the snowblower. The control device can include a control member and a guide plate. The control member can include a longitudinal shaft and a projection disposed along the shaft. The guide plate can be adapted to receive a portion of the control member. The guide plate can include a plurality of gates disposed at spaced intervals from a first end to a second end, and the projection of the control member can be lockable within at least one gate of the plurality of gates.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for actuating a control component of a power machine. A two-step bail can be attached to a handle for controlling the power machine. The two-step bail can include a base member and a control member, wherein the control member can be slidably attached to the base member which can be pivotably mounted to the handle of the power machine. The control member can be depressed, by an operator first action, into the base member, which can be followed by an operator second action wherein the base member and control member can be pulled reward toward the operator to actuate a control component of the power machine.

Abstract: Centrifugal blade brake clutch apparatuses and methods are provided. In one aspect, a centrifugal blade brake clutch includes a rotatable clutch housing having an axis extending therethrough. The clutch housing can have a base and side walls. The clutch housing also can have a brake surface thereon and an integral clutch surface disposed on a side wall surface of the side walls. At least one centrifugally extendable clutch shoe device can be disposed within the clutch housing and configured for engaging the integral clutch surface of the clutch housing. A brake assembly can be positioned proximal to the clutch housing with the axis of the clutch housing passing therethrough. The brake assembly can include a brake member that has a braking surface and is configured to move in a direction parallel with the axis of the clutch housing to axially engage the brake surface of the clutch housing with the braking surface of the brake member.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for separating grass clippings from air in a recirculating bagging apparatus for a lawnmower can include a grass-collecting compartment for collecting grass clippings discharged from a lawnmower and an air discharge channel in communication with and disposed below the grass-collecting compartment. The grass-collecting compartment can have a non-breathable bottom floor for receiving and supporting collected grass clippings. The air discharge channel can be adapted for passage of air discharged from a lawnmower through the grass-collecting compartment and out of the bagging apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for separating grass clippings from air in a recirculating bagging apparatus for a lawnmower can include a grass-collecting compartment for collecting grass clippings discharged from a lawnmower and an air discharge channel in communication with and disposed below the grass-collecting compartment. The grass-collecting compartment can have a non-breathable bottom floor for receiving and supporting collected grass clippings. The air discharge channel can be adapted for passage of air discharged from a lawnmower through the grass-collecting compartment and out of the bagging apparatus.

Abstract: The present subject matter discloses devices and methods for controlling the operation of a lawnmower or other walk-behind power machines without the use of a bail or operator presence control. A control device for a walk-behind machine can include a handle for a walk-behind machine, a sliding cam movable within the handle, a cable connected to the sliding cam and to a machine control component of the walk-behind machine, and an actuator movably attached to the handle. Movement of the actuator against a cam surface of the sliding cam can move the sliding cam within the handle to move the cable and operate the machine control component.

Abstract: Snowblower chute controls and related methods are provided particularly suited for a snowblower. The snowblower chute controls can include a handle pivotably attached to a housing. The housing can have an interior wall with a linear or arcuate gear track. The handle can have a first end operably configured to a spool wheel by a pin. Also, a gear can be operably configured to the handle by the pin such that the gear engages the linear or arcuate gear track. First and second spool cables can have first and second ends, the first ends attached to the spool wheel and the second ends attached to a snowblower chute. The handle can be pivoted to cause the gear to move along the gear track and the spool wheel to rotate and spool the first and second spool cables, thereby rotating the snowblower chute.

Abstract: Snowblower chute controls and related methods are provided particularly suited for a snowblower. The snowblower chute controls can include a handle pivotably attached to a housing. The housing can have an interior wall with a linear or arcuate gear track. The handle can have a first end operably configured to a spool wheel by a pin. Also, a gear can be operably configured to the handle by the pin such that the gear engages the linear or arcuate gear track. First and second spool cables can have first and second ends, the first ends attached to the spool wheel and the second ends attached to a snowblower chute. The handle can be pivoted to cause the gear to move along the gear track and the spool wheel to rotate and spool the first and second spool cables, thereby rotating the snowblower chute.

Abstract: Button type blade brake controls are disclosed that can be disposed on a handle of a power machine such a lawnmower. A blade brake clutch control can include a housing having a top portion that has a front side and a rear side. A control bail can have a pin extending therefrom that extends into the housing. A pivot arm can be disposed within the housing and connected to a control cable. A rotatable latch can be secured to the pivot arm. The latch can have a latch head that is aligned with the pin extending from the control bail. A rearward button can be disposed on the rear side of the top portion of the housing. The rearward button can have a contact surface positioned above the latch head. The rear button can be configured for pushing downward so that the contact surface contacts the latch head to rotate the latch head into an engaged position about the pin of the control bail so that, as the control bail is pulled downward, the pivot arm also pivots downward to pulled the control cable forward.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for controlling a self-propelled machine, such as a lawn mowing machine, including a housing, a handle attached to the housing, and a prime mover attached to the housing with a variable speed transmission for propelling the mowing machine. A variable speed adjustable twist control is provided and can include an elongate body moveable in a twisting manner and an adjustable bracket lockably adapted to the elongate body for twisting with the elongate body and the adjustable bracket having an inner channel adapted for guiding a cable control connector operatively connected to the variable speed transmission through a cable for controlling the variable speed transmission, whereby self-propelled speed of the mowing machine can be controlled by operating the adjustable twist control.