Abstract: An obstacle detection system includes a first component and a second component. The motor is configured to move the second component toward the first component. Radio frequency identification tags (RFIDs) are connected to one of the first component and the second component. A controller is operatively connected to the motor and has a transmitter operatively connected to the other of the first component and the second component. The transmitter is operable to create a magnetic field between the first component and the second component. Each of the RFIDs is operable to provide a respective signal in response to the field. The controller is configured to modify power delivery from a power source to the motor when the respective signals received by a receiver change due to at least a portion of the magnetic field being at least partially blocked or attenuated. A method of detecting an obstacle is also provided.

Abstract: A safety gate has a doorframe, a fence door and a repositioning unit. The doorframe has a base frame, a first side frame, and a second side frame. The repositioning unit is mounted on a bottom of the fence door and has a repositioning recess. The repositioning recess selectively engages a top of the base frame and has two opposite guiding surfaces. When the fence door is open at an angle under 5 degrees relative to the doorframe, one of the guiding surfaces abuts a side of the top of the base frame. Because the guiding surface is curved and inclined relative to the fence door and because a distance between the guiding surfaces is decreased gradually, the guiding surface gradually rotates the fence door to close. As a result, the repositioning unit can close the fence door that is open slightly at a small angle.

Abstract: A door opening/closing device for an ice dispenser is disclosed. The door opening/closing device includes a DC motor 1 which is rotated in forward and reverse directions, a 2-staged spur gear 3 meshed with a worm gear 2 installed on a driving shaft, a 3-staged spur gear 4 meshed with the 2-staged spur gear 3, and a fan-shaped output gear 5 meshed with the 3-staged spur gear 4 and rotated in forward and reverse directions by interconnection of the motor 1 and the gears 2, 3 and 4. If the output gear 5 is rotated in the forward direction, a rod-shaped boss 5a pushes and rotates a link lever 6a to press a coil spring 8 wound around an opening/closing link 6 and thus open a door 7. If the output gear 5 is rotated in the reverse direction, the coil spring 8 is released from a pressurized state, and the rod-shaped boss 5a rotates in the reverse direction while abutting against the link lever 6a, so that the door 7 is closed without generating impact and sound.

Abstract: The lifting device comprises abiased slide shoe adapted to be slidable with respect to a member of an openable structure, a lifting arm having two ends, one end adapted to be pivotally connected with a member of the structure and the other end associated with said slide shoe, and a braking device comprising at least one brake shoe slidable on a respective brake face of said lifting device, said braking device modulating the force resulting from the bias on said biased slide shoe. An adjusting device is adapted to adjust said progressive modulation of said force resulting from the bias on said biased slide shoe, and comprises a manipulation member, which when manipulated by a user activates said adjusting device to adjust a brake force of said brake shoe exerted on said brake face in a given position of said brake shoe.

Abstract: A low-profile barrier and method of installation is provided including a barrier door located in an opening defined by a frame having a pair of upwardly extending arms connected to a lower cross member. In an un-installed position, the lower cross member has a curvature biasing the upwardly extending arms outward. In an installed position, the curvature of the lower cross member is compressed to zero so that the lower cross member lays flat against a lower surface.

Abstract: A barrier element for protecting an interior vehicle door panel comprises a body shaped to fit over the vehicle door interior panel and to block access to at least one of an interior door handle, a lock control and a window control. The barrier element is removably securable to the vehicle door or to the vehicle door panel such that the barrier element can be removed to expose the panel.

Abstract: A one story high building block with the capability of having window or door openings, or a variety of other desirable features; pre-cast within the body of the building block itself. The building block can be colored and stamped or etched to provide an almost endless variety of visual effects. The building block can be connected to a number of other building blocks, each with their own variety of features, to create a dynamic building.

Abstract: A modular, panelized 12-foot wide shelter that has a standard 20-foot length. The shelter has a number of premade frame panels that are assembled over a deck floor. An outer covering of hard, 0.040? black ABS sheeting, which can be painted, is applied to the frame. The walls, roof arches, and end panels can be insulated to reduce or eliminate condensation. The floor is insulated as a standard feature. Each wall/roof section has one 5,000 pound rated galvanized anchor ring attached for tie-downs in windy locations, if needed. Because the entire shelter fits on a single pallet, it can be transported to remote sites by various methods—trucks, barges, helicopters, or snowmobiles. The shelter can be assembled by two workers in less than a day using simple tools. The structure is designed to be transported by truck, helicopter or snowmobile.

Abstract: A multi-heel connector for securing a rafter, a ceiling joist, and supporting building roof structural members in a single bracket connection to withstand enhanced load forces such as hurricane forces. The multi-heel connector combines a loop portion for securing a joist, a rafter contact surface adjacent the loop portion, having a slope which provides for a selected, predetermined roof pitch, mounting tabs for securing the multi-heel connector to a top wall plate, and a tie down for securing the multi-heel connector to exterior wall stud. The multi-heel connector is adaptable for accommodating a riser key to adjust the rafter contact surface pitch, and a joist spacer to accommodate a joist having a cross-section smaller than the multi-heel connector loop portion cross-section.

Abstract: A moveable and demountable wall panel system for defining an office space with a plurality of wall panels disposable in a substantially upright manner between a floor and a ceiling each having respectively a series of uppermost and lowermost deviations. The system includes at least one prefabricated frameless panel, the top edge of each panel being provided with a ceiling track configured for being removably insertable into a corresponding ceiling rail. The system also includes a bottom floor channel associated with each corresponding panel and being configured for operatively resting against the floor opposite to the ceiling rail. The system also includes first and second height adjustment assemblies associated with each panel and insertable into a corresponding bottom floor channel.

Abstract: A dance floor and a method of assembly of the dance floor are disclosed. The dance floor contains a plurality of interconnecting frames, each containing intersecting elongated panels, trim panels, wiring embedded inside channels disposed on the bottom of the elongated panels that are connected to electrical connectors, electrical receptors and ribbon lights. An electrical controller produces a chase pattern where strings of adjacent light bulbs cycle on and off to give the illusion of lights moving along the string. The dance floor is manufactured of lightweight materials and is configured for easy in situ assembly, installation and disassembly.

Abstract: A curtain wall unit includes a frame composed of a casting material, which define at least one infill area for receiving and retaining an infill element, and a connector assembly operatively engaged to the frame for attaching the frame to a standing structure. A method of making the curtain wall unit and a curtain wall assembled from the same is also described.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module mounting system using clamps to attach the modules to a mounting structure, thereby providing a universal mounting structure for use with laminate or framed modules of differing shapes and sizes, from different manufacturers.

Abstract: An eco-friendly energy integrated building comprises a building frame, doors and windows, a roof and guard rails. A concrete reinforced layer is poured on the roof, a farm soil layer is arranged on the concrete reinforced layer, farm crops are planted on the farm soil layer, a power generation system is arranged on the concrete reinforced layer, and a solar energy device is arranged on the guard rails.

Abstract: A PV module kit for non-penetrating rooftop installation, including a plurality of PV modules and a plurality of connectors. Each of the PV modules includes a PV laminate and a frame forming a mounting region assembled thereto. The connectors include a male connector having a male fastener extending from a head, and a female connector having a female fastener assembled within a head. The heads are entirely formed of plastic. The kit provides a mounted array state including a junction at which the mounting region of at least two of the PV modules are aligned and interconnected by engagement of the male connector with the female connector. The so-formed junction is substantially electrically insulated. The plurality of connectors can further include a spacer connector including a head forming a bore sized to slidably receive the male fastener, with all of the connector heads being identical.

Abstract: An improved metal or steel header frame is provided for use in a metal framed building wall or the like, wherein the header frame is adapted for quick and easy installation to span a framed opening such as a door or window opening in the building wall. The improved header frame includes a pair of metal bracket clips adapted for screw-on and/or bolt-on attachment to a pair of jamb studs disposed at opposite sides of the door or window opening. These bracket clips define support lands for vertically supporting opposite ends of an elongated header stud which can be quickly and easily seated thereon to span the door or window opening, and attached thereto by one or more suitable fasteners such as screws.

Abstract: An adjustable roof jack comprising: a flange; a first cylinder having a first cylinder top portion being at an angle between 13 and 19 degrees and a first cylinder bottom portion, fixedly connected to the flange. There may be a second cylinder having a second cylinder top portion and a second cylinder bottom portion at an angle between 71 and 77 degrees. A second cylinder bottom fold is folded over a first cylinder fold to fixedly and rotationally connect at an angle between 13 and 19 degrees. A vent cap cylinder having a vent cap cylinder top portion and a vent cap cylinder bottom portion having at least one vent cap cylinder fold is folded over a second cylinder top fold to rotationally connect the vent cap cylinder to the second cylinder; and a vent cap assembly is fixedly attached to the vent cap cylinder top portion.

Abstract: A stop bead for mounting along a frame or jamb of a window or door of a building to separate the frame or jamb from plaster or stucco material during application of the plaster or stucco material to the building comprises a first side end portion and a second side end portion, the first side portion having a leading edge for engaging the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb, a base panel having a front face, a wall formed on the base panel and extending outwardly above the front face of the base panel, the wall having an engaging surface for engaging plaster or stucco and a frame/jamb facing surface that faces the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb, and a spacing member formed on the stop bead and extending outwardly away from the frame/jamb facing surface of the wall for spacing the wall a predetermined distance from the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb, the spacing member forming the leading

Abstract: A multi-plenum structural panel comprising a top sheet, a middle sheet, and a bottom sheet, all three sheets being parallel in plane; a first plurality of spacing structural elements, fixedly attaching the top sheet to the middle sheet, and a second plurality of spacing structural elements fixedly attaching the middle sheet to the bottom sheet, such that the yield strength of the combined panel is greater than the combined individual yield strengths of the top, the middle, and the bottom sheets; an upper plenum defined by a spacing between the top sheet and the middle sheet; a lower plenum defined by a spacing between the middle sheet and the bottom sheet; a plurality of unobstructed pathways are created in each plenum for air to move from at least one edge of the panel to at least one of an opposite and an adjacent edge of the panel.

Abstract: An insulated wall system and related methods of installing walls is set forth. The system includes a plurality of metal purlins (10), a plurality of outer panels (2), a plurality of thermal insulation blocks (4), cleats (14), and fasteners (12). The metal purlins (10) can form a parallel array of purlins. The outer panels (2) can be attached to the metal purlins (10) in the parallel array. The thermal insulation blocks (4) can be disposed between the metal purlin (10) and the outer panel (2). The cleat (14) can be disposed between the thermal insulation blocks (4) and the outer panel (2) and has a protrusion which is capable of securing the thermal insulation block (4) and inhibits lateral movement between the thermal insulation block (4) and the cleat (14).

Abstract: A sheet metal yoke for supporting a pair of main runners of a suspended ceiling grid in parallel alignment with a relatively narrow spacing, the yoke having an inverted U-shape with a horizontal span and a depending leg adjacent each end of the span, a lower end of each leg having a tab extending towards the other leg, the tab being proportioned to fit in a cross runner slot of a main runner and being capable of vertically supporting the main runner at a desired elevation.

Abstract: A seismic bracket for supporting ends of suspended ceiling grid runners from a wall comprising a stamped sheet metal body, the body having a horizontally extending portion and a vertically extending portion, the vertically extending portion, in its installed position, rising above the top of a standard grid runner a distance at least 1½ times the height of such standard grid runner, the vertically extending portion having two sections generally coextensive in the vertical direction, a first section being integral with the horizontally extending portion and a second section arranged to be in a vertical plane that intersects a vertical plane occupied by the horizontally extending portion, the horizontally extending portion being arranged to support a grid runner to move longitudinally a limited distance, the second section of the vertically extending portion having an aperture for securing the bracket to the wall at a location substantially above the grid tee.

Abstract: A repair device for sealing a hole in a wall and enabling its repair without the need for numerous tools and processes, the device comprising; a body portion having at least two plate members each having a front face and a rear face; at least one hinging means hingedly connecting the at least two plate members to each other; a biasing means engaging the at least two plate members to bias the plates apart into an open flat position such that the relative front faces of each of the at least two plate members substantially share the same plane; and at least one attachment means mounted on a front face of the at least two plate members; wherein the repair device allows for insertion into the hole in a folded position and release to the open flat position and the attachment means provide attachment to the wall adjacent the hole.

Abstract: Various corner element embodiments, 100, 700 may comprise various concentric circle attributes useful in stopping or reducing cracks in stucco and related building materials. The corner element embodiments may be secured at widow and door corner areas and then integrated with traditional stucco applications. The concentric circle attributes and other corner element attributes dissipate stucco movement to reduce stucco heave and cracks.

Abstract: A slat wall assembly comprising a first slat, an attachment assembly, and a second slat. The first slat includes a body and a lower flange. The body includes an upper edge and a lower edge. The lower flange emanates from the lower edge of the body. The attachment assembly is associable with the lower flange of the first slat and facilitates attachment of the first slat to an existing wall. The second slat includes a body and an upper flange. The body includes an upper edge and a lower edge. The upper flange emanates from the upper edge of the body. The upper flange is configured to be insertable into the lower flange of the first slat and retainable therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a set of panels, preferably of floor panels, consisting of a first panel and at least a second panel with, in each case, a top side and an underside, wherein the first panel comprises at an edge a first retaining profile with a hook directed towards the top side, the second panel comprises at an edge a second retaining profile with a hook directed towards the underside, the first retaining profile and the second retaining profile can be connected by a relative movement directed perpendicular to a plane of laying, and wherein a separate clip is provided, which comprises a clip head, a clip body and a clip base. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for inserting the clip into a retaining profile.

Abstract: A panel having a core and at least two opposite edges with coupling parts at two opposite edges. The coupling parts of the panels can be coupled to each other by means of a downward movement, such that a locking is obtained in the plane of the panels and perpendicular to the edges, as well as perpendicular to the plane of the panels. The coupling parts at the two edges comprise locking parts ensuring locking in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the panels, and at least one of these locking parts forms part of a flexible portion made in one piece with the core. The flexible portion is bendable at least in the plane of the panel. The panel includes at least one support portion which forms a support against bending of the flexible portion in a direction transverse to the plane of the coupled panels.

Abstract: An improved solar panel attachment system for a roof and method for its use include a pedestal that has a plurality of protrusions and keyways located along its bottom wall surface and extending along the length of the pedestal. The pedestal is placed into a paddy of foam adhesive laid along a roof underlayment and the keyways receive and engage with the expanding adhesive for bonding the pedestal directly to the roof without the need for mechanical fastening. The protrusions provide spacing between the bottom wall surface and the roof so that an adequate amount of foam adhesive resides between these wall surfaces and those structures. Attaching means are secured to the top wall surface so that the pedestal may be used to securely mount (or secure) a solar panel or other object to a roof.

Abstract: A locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards constructed from a body, a rear balancing layer and an upper surface layer. A strip, which is integrally formed with the body of the floorboard and which projects from a joint plane and under an adjoining board has a locking element which engages a locking groove in the rear side of the adjoining board. The joint edge provided with the strip is modified with respect to the balancing layer, for example by means of machining of the balancing layer under the strip, in order to prevent deflection of the strip caused by changes in relative humidity. Also, a floorboard provided with such a locking system, as well as a method for making floorboards with such a locking system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a panel structure, in which structure at least two layer sheets (1,6;12,13;22,23;31,32;41,44,45) are fixed to each other with at least one connection member (2,11,21,33,42,43,46) and the connection member (2,11,21,33,42,43,46) is generated from one of the at least two layer sheets (1,6;12,13;22,23;31,32;41,44,45). At least part of the connection member (2,11,21,33,42,43,46) is diverged from the layer sheets (1,6;12,13;22,23; 31,32;41,44,45) forming at least one opening (8,17,27,35) through the layer sheet (1,6;12,13;22,23;31,32;41,44,45) wherefrom the connection (2,11,21,33, 42,43,46) is generated.

Abstract: A light-weight metal stud and method to produce a light-weight metal stud may include forming a pair of channel members each having a respective major face having a respective first edge. Each member includes first and second flanges extending along the respective major face. A wire matrix includes a pair of wires each having apexes alternatively physically attached to the pair of channel members. The wire matrix forms longitudinal passages to support utility lines and position the lines away from the pair of channel members. The apexes are secured to flanges of the pair of channel members to strengthen the stud and reduce weight.

Abstract: A fastener for securing first and second decking boards with a joist is shown and described. The fastener may include a joist connecting member capable of engaging the joist, a board connecting member capable of engaging the first decking board, where the board connecting member is generally perpendicular the joist connecting member. The fastener may also include a retention feature laterally spaced from the board connecting member, where the retention feature is capable of engaging the second decking board.

Abstract: This application relates to a track assembly for supporting wall studs. The assembly includes an upper track and a lower track each having a base and opposed first and second sidewalls. A plurality of tabs are formed in the track sidewalls at spaced longitudinal intervals. Each tab defines a slot between the tab and an adjacent portion of the sidewall for slidably receiving a wall panel of a stud. The track assembly allows wall studs to be quickly and removably coupled to the tracks without the need for ladders, fasteners or special tools. In one embodiment the assembly is a slip track system permitting deflection of the upper track relative to the lower track after installation of the wall studs.

Abstract: Improvements in the design and construction of solar collector modules. Aspects of the invention include improvements in the layout of a frame for a solar collector module, and in the joining of structural members of the frame at nodes. In one example, a module of a solar collector includes a reflector and a three-dimensional structural frame that supports the reflector. The frame is made up of substantially rigid elongate frame members interconnected at nodes. Improved node connection components include hubs or frame members having tabs for receiving frame member connections. A tab may have a width that is substantial in relation to its height. The frame may incorporate asymmetry in its layout, in the size or presence of frame members, or in the positioning of the nodes.

Abstract: An insertion connector (1) is provided for hollow profiled elements (17, 18) of spacers or mullions for insulating glass panes. The insertion connector includes lateral walls (3) and at least one central wall (2) having at least one long opening (9) extending along the longitudinal axis 23) of the connector. At least one holding element (7) projects from the central wall (2). The holding element (7) is arranged adjacently to the through-opening (9). The insertion connector (1) can include other holding elements on the lateral walls (3).

Abstract: A retention feature for securing a trim component to a panel of an automotive vehicle includes an elongate clip extending from the trim component and a selectively releasable locking device disposed on the panel. The clip is configured to be inserted through an opening defined by the panel. The locking device includes: a restraining portion on a first side of the panel; an actuating portion on a second side of the panel; and a biasing feature configured to compliantly bias the restraining portion into the locked state. The restraining portion of the locking device obstructs the withdrawal of the elongate clip from the panel when in a locked state, and is configured to transition from the locked state to an unlocked state in response to the application of a force to the actuating portion.

Abstract: A building structure comprises a post having a vertically extending longitudinal face. A plurality of horizontal logs extends from said longitudinal face and has an end face in abutment with said longitudinal face. The post having an undercut channel in said longitudinal face and extends along said post. At least one of said end faces has a recess aligned with said undercut channel, and a spline assembly extends between said post and said log to secure said log to said post. The spline assembly includes a key located in and extends between said channel and said recess and an insert in one of said undercut channel and said recess. The insert co operates with said key to facilitate relative sliding movement therebetween.

Abstract: An improved mounting structure for the posts of hand rail systems including a mounting arm member positioned within a sleeve monolithically formed within the inner chamber of the post. The sleeve includes a slit that allows for the outflow of water, thereby limiting corrosion and degrading of the post and mounting structure. A series of nubbed projections create grooves within the surface of the sleeve, to secure the mounting arm into the sleeve in a strong manner. A secure fit limits the amount of liquid trapped within the sleeve reducing corrosion. The mounting arm has smaller dimensions, reducing the chances that the arm comes into contact with support rods embedded within the concrete during installation. By avoiding contact with the support rods, concrete spalling is dramatically reduced, adding to the lifetime of the rail system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tubular building structure or tower 10 comprising superposed tube sections 12. At least some of the tube sections 12 are provided with platform segments 28 that are hinge-connected and foldable from a collapsed position in which they are positioned close to the tube sections 12 to a position of use in which they extend radially inwardly into the tubular building structure 10 in the mounted position of the tube sections 12. In particular the invention relates to a tube segment 16 adapted to be interconnected with other tube segments 16 to form a tubular building structure or tower 10 comprising superposed tube sections 12, each tube section being formed by interconnected axially extending tube segments 16.

Abstract: A structure which is transformable by inflation from a collapsed condition for storage to an erect condition for use has an inflatable tubular framework and at least one flexible web attached to and extending between two or more regions of the framework. The inflatable framework is formed by at least one inner inflatable tubular element (A, B) of flexible, elastic, air-impermeable material and having an inflation valve (13,15) accommodated within an outer sleeve arrangement of a material which is flexible but substantially non-elastic and restrained therein upon inflation. The outer sleeve arrangement is configured to include at least one branch point and/or at least one abrupt bend and the configuration of the inner tubular element or elements (A, B) corresponds to that (branch points (a, b) and abrupt bends (z)) so that the inner tube or tubes will substantially fill the outer sleeve arrangement upon inflation.

Abstract: A construction element for erecting a structure has a first panel extending vertically to form a wall and a second panel extending horizontally to form a horizontal partition when they are arranged in an erected structure, the panels together form a three-dimensional configuration and are connected with one another so that in the erected structure they extend perpendicularly to one another and are turnable to include an angle there between to reduce a horizontal extension of the construction element for transportation purposes.

Abstract: A shingle, a method of making it, and a roof embodying the shingle is provided, in which an exterior surface of the shingle is provided with an attached reinforcement layer through which fasteners may be applied when the shingle is applied to a roof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reinforcement structure of a rectangular flat metal plate, which is provided with: a rectangular flat metal plate that is predominantly subjected to in-plane shear, and supports a compressive load as necessary; strip-like rectangular section members that are spliced in parallel with both side edges of the flat plate in the longitudinal direction so as to reinforce the flat plate; and a plurality of square tube-like members that are parallelly arranged for each constant interval in the shorter side direction of the flat plate, and are spliced on one side surface of the flat plate, or are spliced so as to overlap one another across the flat plate between both surfaces of the front and back of the flat plate, wherein the torsional rigidity and torsional strength of the rectangular flat metal plate are increased to ensure a yield shear load, and shear yield strength can be stably maintained even in the transition of shear deformation after the yield.

Abstract: An assembly comprised of at least one fixed panel and at least two moveable panels is provided. The moveable panels are capable of being controllably shifted relative both to each other and to the fixed panel such that first and second aligned and non-aligned positions can be achieved. The assembly is further comprised of two or more drive links which are, in turn, comprised of a center pivot which engages with the fixed panel and two or more outer pivots which engage with the movable panels.

Abstract: A system for automatically filling tablets into tablet containers comprising at least one tablet compartment for receiving tablets comprises: reception means (30) for receiving a patient order containing a patient identification (PAT-ID) and at least one prescription comprising prescription data (REZ) regarding the types of tablets to be taken by the patient and instructions for taking said tablets; allocation means (40) for allocating the prescription data (REZ) and patient identification (PAT-ID) to respective tablet containers (1); at least one automatic tablet dispenser (50) containing supplies of a plurality of tablet types for automatically filling at least one tablet compartment of a respective tablet container, wherein the allocation means (40) or the automatic tablet dispenser (50) is/are designed for determining, from the prescription data (REZ), the number of tablets of the respective types of tablets to be taken by a patient at certain times and for allocating a tablet compartment (2) of a tablet

Abstract: The present invention provides a torque measuring station, comprising a cap-engaging assembly for engaging a cap that has been secured onto a container, a torque measuring assembly for obtaining a measurement indicative of the torque exerted on the cap by the cap engaging assembly and a processing entity in communication with the torque measuring assembly. The processing entity is operative for receiving the measurement indicative of the torque, and for causing the container to be handled, once released from said cap-engaging assembly, on the basis of the measurement indicative of the torque applied to the cap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoform packaging machine for manufacturing a multilayer package, to methods for manufacturing a multilayer package comprising three or four product layers as well as to multilayer packages comprising three or four product layers.

Abstract: An article bagging apparatus designed to reduce impacts caused by stopping at advance and retraction terminal points. The article bagging apparatus has an upper scoop (12) and a lower scoop (14) rectilinearly movable forward and backward together. The upper and lower scoops are advanced and inserted into a bag through an opening thereof, and the upper scoop is displaced upward, thereby expanding the bag vertically. In addition, the upper and lower scoops are retracted to pull the expanded bag, thereby allowing an article placed in the path of retraction to enter the bag. The article bagging apparatus includes a coupling unit (22) that allows the upper scoop to be displaced vertically and that causes the upper and lower scoops to move together forward and backward, an upper guide rail (24) supporting the upper scoop horizontally movably, and an upper drive unit (26) vertically moving the upper guide rail.

Abstract: The invention relates to safety improvements for mowers incorporating a chipper, and/or catcher. In one aspect the invention provides safety improvements that only allow operation of the chipper when the mower is below a predetermined threshold ride height. In another aspect, the mower includes one or more side skirts to prevent body parts from entering the cutting zone under the mower. In a still further aspect, the mower has a rear flap including a sub-flap. The mower is arranged so that the sub flap remains closed when a catcher is installed.

Abstract: A clutch/brake assembly is provided which includes a coil plate non-rotatably captured between the upper housing and the lower housing and having affixed thereon a ring shaped coil, a clutch rotor rotatably secured to the shaft and having a groove configured to accommodate therein the ring shaped coil, and a clutch output assembly having a clutch/brake disc and a clutch output shaft. The clutch/brake disc and the clutch output shaft are attached to one another by a plurality of springs. The clutch/brake assembly may be mounted on a deck of a lawnmower to drive a blade.