Abstract: Dual neutral start switch configurations for preventing vehicle users from starting or activating a vehicle engine under certain circumstances and designed to be part of the control arm or return-to-neutral configuration are disclosed. These configurations may be used with pumps, transmissions or transaxles in a variety of different vehicle applications. Also disclosed is a combination neutral start switch and reverse mower blade cutoff switch.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle. The vehicle comprises a first hydraulic pump, a first hydraulic motor, a first axle shaft, a second hydraulic pump, a second hydraulic motor, a second axle shaft, a first bypass, a first linkage, a second bypass and a second linkage. The first hydraulic motor is connected to the first hydraulic pump by a first hydraulic porting. The first axle shaft is driven by the first hydraulic motor. The second hydraulic motor is connected to the second hydraulic pump by a second hydraulic porting. The second axle shaft is driven by the second hydraulic motor. The first bypass is associated with the first hydraulic porting. The first linkage is connected to the first bypass. The second bypass is associated with the second hydraulic porting. The second linkage is connected to the second bypass. The first bypass and the second bypass are actuated substantially simultaneously by a single actuating mechanism.

Abstract: An improved diagnostic system for a hydrostatic apparatus such as a hydrostatic transmission or transaxle is disclosed. A fastener having a port formed therein is used to connect a hydraulic component such as a center section to a housing. A diagnostic system may be located external to the housing and connected to the hydraulic circuit at least partially through the fastener port. A relief valve may also be located in the fastener and connected to the fastener port, or in a different fastener having a separate fastener port, to permit the fluid in the hydraulic circuit to be discharged to a sump.

Abstract: A neutral start switch for preventing vehicle users from starting or activating a vehicle engine under certain circumstances and for use in connection with a control arm mechanism, which may be attached to a casing of a hydraulic pump.

Abstract: A sensor for use with a transmission system, where the transmission system has a housing, an input driven by an engine and at least one rotating component, such as a shaft, located in the housing and driven by the input. The sensor is comprised of an actuator, which is inside the transmission system housing and able to detect the rotational direction of the rotating element, and a switch, which is located outside the transmission housing and is actuated by the actuator.

Abstract: A dual pump apparatus having two pumps mounted in a housing, where the housing comprises two elements mounted on opposite sides of a hydraulic mounting member or center section. The pumps are mounted on one side of the hydraulic mounting member in a pump cavity, and the center section and second housing element form a gear cavity in which gears to connect the two pump input shafts are located. Various charge pumps or auxiliary pump configurations are disclosed, including one embodiment where the input shaft gears themselves may act as a charge pump for the pump assembly.

Abstract: A system for use with a vehicle such as a tractor having an output device such as a mower deck or snow thrower comprising a sensor positioned to detect the rotational direction of a shaft such as an output axle. The operational status of the output device can be changed depending on the rotational direction of the shaft.

Abstract: A circuit for use with an apparatus such as a tractor having an output device such as a mower deck or snow thrower, comprising a user operated switch and a position sensing switch to detect the rotational direction of a shaft such as an output axle, so that the operational status of the output device may be changed depending on the rotational direction of the shaft.

Abstract: A method for use with an apparatus such as a tractor having an engine and an output device, such as a mower deck or snow thrower, comprising the steps of determining a rotational direction of a rotatable shaft as one of a forward direction and a reverse direction and selecting the operational status of the output device as one of an engaged state and a disengaged state, where the operational status is in the disengaged state when the shaft rotates in the reverse direction and is in the engaged state when the shaft does not rotate in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A vent apparatus for a hydrostatic device such as a hydrostatic transmission, including a vent tube in communication with a reservoir and a vent cap secured to the tube in a manner to permit the cap to pivot or swivel with respect to the vent tube, in order to prevent water from entering the reservoir through the vent tube.

Abstract: A vent apparatus for an enclosed space such as that within a structure or a vehicle, including a vent tube having a first end that extends outside of the closed space and a second end that is connected to the enclosed space and a vent cap removably coupled to the vent tube and capable of pivoting or swiveling with respect to the vent tube to prevent water from entering the reservoir through the vent tube.