Abstract: An ice dispensing system is provided that includes a motor, a processor, and a computer-readable medium. The motor is mounted to an ice chute door. The computer-readable medium is operably coupled to the processor and comprises computer-readable instructions configured to control opening of the ice chute door by energizing the motor at a first voltage for a first time period after receipt of an ice dispense request; after energizing the motor at the first voltage for the first time period, control energizing of the motor at a second voltage at least as long as the ice dispense request is received to maintain the ice chute door in the open position; and after energizing the motor at the second voltage, control de-energizing of the motor to allow the ice chute door to return to a closed position. The second voltage is less than the first voltage.

Abstract: An ice dispensing system is provided that includes a motor, a processor, and a computer-readable medium. The motor is mounted to an ice chute door. The computer-readable medium is operably coupled to the processor and comprises computer-readable instructions configured to control opening of the ice chute door by energizing the motor at a first voltage for a first time period after receipt of an ice dispense request; after energizing the motor at the first voltage for the first time period, control energizing of the motor at a second voltage at least as long as the ice dispense request is received to maintain the ice chute door in the open position; and after energizing the motor at the second voltage, control de-energizing of the motor to allow the ice chute door to return to a closed position. The second voltage is less than the first voltage.

Abstract: A semi-pneumatic tire having a radially inner wall, first and second side walls, a radially outer wall coupled between the side walls, and a pair of rib members extending radially inwardly from outer wall for generally rigidifying said outer wall under operating loads. The side walls include a radially outer portion and a radially inner portion, the inner portion being thicker and more rigid than the outer portion such that the radially outer wall abuts against the inner portion of the side walls when the outer wall shifts radially inwardly under operating loads.

Abstract: A plastic composite drive wheel is provided for use with larger vehicles such as lawn and garden tractors and rear engine riders. The plastic wheel includes spoke segments formed in the inner and outer faces of the wheel, the segments radially alternating between the inner and outer faces. Molded into the plastic wheel is a powdered metal insert, the insert including spokes or fingers which extend into each plastic wheel spoke segment. The insert is adapted to be fixably received with the drive axle of a transmission for transmitting the torque to the plastic wheel.

Abstract: A horizontally extending plate-like member having a power source, transaxle and belt arrangement coupled thereto. The member mounts the power source, transaxle, and belt arrangement to a vehicle frame, and establishes a lever arm between first and second coupling means for transferring relatively small concentrated loads to the vehicle frame. The power source, transaxle, belt arrangement and member can be removed from the vehicle frame for service as a single unit or module.

Abstract: A mechanism for coupling vehicle components to a vehicle frame made of a plastic material. A bolt is received by generally aligned openings defined by the frame and the component, and a first nut threaded onto the bolt securely presses the frame and component together. A spacer or second nut carried by the bolt between the first nut and the component is positioned within the opening in the frame. The spacer is slightly smaller in depth than the frame member, and allows the frame to become slightly compress. The spacer limits the travel of the nut on the threads, thereby preventing the frame from being compressed beyond the elastic range of deflection. A module plate having the vehicle engine thereattached is carried between the second nut and the vehicle component. The second nut keeps the module plate and the component securely coupled together when the first nut is removed from the bolt, such that the module plate, the engine and the vehicle component can be removed from the frame as a single unit.

Abstract: A wheel hub and detachable wheel weight structure is provided for traction vehicles, such as lawn and garden tractors. The plastic hub includes a plurality of wedge shaped compartments formed in each side with adjacent compartments opening transversely to opposite sides of the hub. Separate weights are provided for the inside and outside of the hub, the weights having complementarily shaped wedge members receivable in the compartments opening to that side of the hub. Threaded fasteners secure the weights together for rotation with the hub.