Abstract: A extended movement rear suspension for a snowmobile. The suspension includes at least two elongated members of a substantially constant length coupled to the snowmobile frame and to an endless track guide rail assembly. The suspension keeps the guide rail assembly at a substantially constant angular orientation relative to the frame for improved performance and operator comfort. The suspension also configures the endless track into a generally triangular shape.

Abstract: To enable a rider to control in real time the type of ride he desires, a snowmobile is equipped with a suspension system that includes at least one fluid actuated device which can be adjusted in real time to control the relative distance between the body of the snowmobile onto which the rider sits and the frame, or the slide tracks about which the drive belt is mounted. By setting a constant predetermined desirable distance between the body and the slide tracks, or the frame, of the snowmobile, an optimal cushioned ride for the rider is obtained. The control of the fluid actuated device(s) may be effected at any time manually by the rider, or be effected by a feedback system. The snowmobile is also equipped with an ABS system for enhancing the traction of the drive belt on snow and therefore the control of the snowmobile by the rider.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system with a variable geometry. A moveable suspension arm is pivotally attached to a vehicle chassis. A biasing/dampening mechanism is operatively attached to the vehicle chassis at a first end. An actuator mechanism operatively connects the second end of the biasing/dampening mechanism to the moveable suspension arm. The actuator mechanism has a mechanism for moving the second end along at least one axis when the vehicle is in a static or dynamic mode to increase or decrease the motion ratio or displacement of the biasing/dampening mechanism to the total displacement of the suspension system relative to the vehicle chassis. A control mechanism is provided for activating the actuator mechanism.

Abstract: A snowmobile suspension system used to suspend the drive belt of a snowmobile between extended and retracted position is described herein. The snowmobile suspension system is provided with a pair of side rails to guide the drive belt, a pair of suspension arms each having a proximate end pivotally mounted to the snowmobile and a distal end pivotally mounted to both side rails, shock absorbers and compression springs provided between the side rails and the snowmobile to bias the side rails towards their extended position, and a progressive spring assembly mounted to the side rails to prevent forceful contact between the side rails and the undersurface of the snowmobile. The side rails are advantageously made of composite material and present a concave undersurface. The pivotal attachment of the distal end of the rear suspension arm to the side rails is advantageously made via an adjustable cam assembly allowing the user to modify the characteristics of the snowmobile suspension system.

Abstract: An adjustable rear suspension system for a tracked vehicle comprises a slide frame for guiding a portion of the endless track, the slide frame having a pair of substantially parallel slide rails, the slide rails defining a longitudinal direction. The rear suspension system further comprises at least one spring-like member for urging the slide frame away from the chassis. A front suspension arm assembly has an upper end pivotally connected to the chassis and a lower end pivotally connected to the slide frame. A rear suspension arm assembly has ail upper arm pivotally connected to the chassis and a lower end connected to at least one block capable of limited displacement in the longitudinal direction between a front stopper and a rear stopper. The rear suspension system further includes a rocker arm having an upper end connected to at least one block and a lower end pivotally connected to the slide frame.

Abstract: A motor driven or pedal powered snow vehicle designed to emulate the steering and balancing characteristics of motorcycles and bicycles. The snow vehicle includes a frame, a swing arm, a track carriage, an endless loop track, a snow compacting ramp, an elongated steering member and a ski. The swing arm pivots upon the frame and angles downward behind the frame. The track circulates a fixed path around the track carriage. The track carriage extends forward from a pivot connection with the rear of the swing arm, and pivots vertically under the swing arm in scissors-fashion. The snow vehicle is suspended upon the track carriage using a single shock absorber and load-distributing bell crank. A snow compacting ramp attached to the track carriage compresses the snow ahead of the track. The steering member is like the front suspension fork of a motorcycle or bicycle, and is connected to the frame so that it rotates about a steering axis. The ski is mounted to the lower portion of the steering member.

Abstract: A towing apparatus is disclosed capable of moving aircraft and other workpieces about an airfield or other workspace. The present invention includes a first frame which is rotatable relative to a second frame about a common substantially vertical axis. A wheel assembly is positioned within the first frame and driven by a motor which is also mounted on the first frame. A gripper assembly for engaging the aircraft or other workpiece is attached to the second frame. In this manner, the present invention provides for the towing of aircraft or other workpieces along an axis which is proximate the axis of the wheel assembly. Additionally, it provides for a low center of gravity significantly enhancing the stability and maneuverability of the present invention in a towing attitude or a non-towing attitude.

Abstract: A snowmobile and more particularly to an improved suspension arrangement for a snowmobile that provides an elastic stop for limiting the movement of the drive belt upwardly relative to the frame assembly and which operates independently of the cushioning units so as to avoid undue loading and wear of them

Abstract: A self propelled upright vacuum cleaner is provided that has at least one drive wheel, a transmission for selectively driving the drive wheel in forward and reverse and propelling the cleaner in forward and reverse over a floor. A bag housing pivotally connected to the floor engaging portion. An electric power switch located adjacent to a top of the bag housing. A control link extending from the transmission and up the bag housing, with a top end of the control link being located adjacent to the top of the bag housing. An upper handle assembly having a hand grip reciprocally mounted thereon and a power switch button mounted thereon. The lower end of the upper handle assembly is adapted for connection to the top of the bag housing, such that the upper end of the control link and the hand grip are automatically interconnected when the upper handle assembly is attached to the bag housing.

Abstract: A safety cut-off system prevents the running of a motor of a self-propelled lawn mower having left and right drive wheels, and forward and reverse gears. The safety cut-off system includes a first forward presence lever manipulatable, by an operator, between an ON state and an OFF state, wherein the forward presence lever is biased to the OFF state, and a reverse presence lever manipulatable, by an operator, between an ON state and an OFF state, wherein the reverse presence lever is also biased to the OFF state. A preventing element, which is responsive to the forward and reverse presence levers, is provided for preventing the motor from running, when the lawn mower is in neutral or a forward gear and neither the forward presence lever nor the reverse presence lever are in the ON state, and when the lawn mower is in a reverse gear and the reverse presence lever is not in the ON state.

Abstract: A conversion system for converting an all terrain vehicle (ATV) for use in snow and in other adverse condition, the system including an endless track assembly. Endless track assemblies are comprised of a drive cog mounted on the rear axle, having teeth for engaging a track, and a slide rail assembly for guiding and tensioning a composite track. The drive cog is uniquely designed to provide optimal power to gear ratios to be used with the drive gear of the ATV. The standard ATV axle may be replaced with a stronger axle. The track mount assembly is mounted by a bearing housing support constructed to fit the axle. The drive cog is constructed with bolt patterns compatible with bolt patterns on existing ATV axle mounts. A unique motion-limiting device keeps the track assemblies properly positioned when riding over uneven terrain. The track mount assemblies provide a dual track construction that replaces the ATV drive wheels and converts the ATV to a vehicle that can transverse terrains such as snow and mud.

Abstract: A power-assisted wheelbarrow applies an assisting function using an electric motor. Handle shafts connecting to the rear end portions of two handles are covered with grips which are allowed to move axially relative to the handle shafts. More than one steel balls are fitted between the handle shafts and the grips. At the sides of the grips or the handles, pushing force detecting sensors are disposed for detecting the axial movements of the grips relative to the handle shafts in accordance with the pushing forces applied to the grips. The operation of the electric motor is controlled on the basis of the detected values of the two pushing force detecting sensors. As a result, the assisting force by the electric motor can be effectively applied to the wheel of a manual-push type single-wheeled carrier so that manual labor can be reduced while minimizing the consumption of a battery.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a suction nozzle which is coupled to a handle on which a user of the vacuum cleaner can exert a pushing or pulling force for moving the suction nozzle over a surface to be cleaned. The suction nozzle is provided with an electrical drive for exerting a driving force on the suction nozzle, such that the pushing or pulling force to be exerted by the user is limited.According to the invention, the vacuum cleaner comprises a detector capable of measuring the pushing or pulling force, exerted on the handle and an electrical controller for controlling the driving force as a function of the measured pushing or pulling force. The controller controls the driving force in such a manner, for example, that the measured pushing or pulling force remains substantially zero. It is thus possible for the user to move the suction nozzle effortlessly over the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A zero turning radius power lawn mower for operation by a standing occupant includes first and second independently driven and controlled rear drive wheels mounted on separate drive axles. A riding platform for supporting the standing occupant or operator is located between the first and second rear drive wheels. The rear drive wheels are independently driveable in both the forward and reverse directions at variable speeds so as to allow for substantially zero radius turning of the mower about a central turning point. The riding platform is positioned near this turning point or axis so that the standing occupant remains substantially unaffected by centrifugal force created during approximate zero radius turning of the mower thereby allowing the mower to take such turns at higher speeds. The low center of gravity created by the position of the riding platform for the standing operator also results in the mower having improved traction and being less likely to pop "wheelies" upon acceleration.

Abstract: A dual action bail and lever lawn mower control assembly is provided for operating the ground drive of a self-propelled walk-behind lawn mower. The control assembly includes a housing, a shift lever having an extended handle and a substantially circular body which is coupled to a control cable. A bail socket is pivotally received in the housing and is coupled to the bail. A blocking pawl is provided within the housing for engagement with the circular body of the shift lever and the bail socket. The bail socket includes a retainer which is provided with a lug and is spring loaded so that when the bail is pulled back, the spring imparts a rotational force to the retainer. When the lever is shifted to position a recess therein opposite the pawl, the retainer pivots the pawl to enter the recess and hold the lever in the engaged position until the bail is released and a return spring associated with the ground drive pulls on the cable, with the shift lever being then free to return to its original position.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system with a variable geometry. A moveable suspension arm is pivotally attached to a vehicle chassis. A biasing/dampening mechanism is operatively attached to the vehicle chassis at a first end. An actuator mechanism operatively connects the second end of the biasing/dampening mechanism to the moveable suspension arm. The actuator mechanism has a mechanism for moving the second end along at least one axis when the vehicle is in a static or dynamic mode to increase or decrease the motion ratio or displacement of the biasing/dampening mechanism to the total displacement of the suspension system relative to the vehicle chassis. A control mechanism is provided for activating the actuator mechanism.

Abstract: A zero-turning radius self-propelled power lawn mower includes a standing platform structure for supporting a standing operator during mower operation. The mower has a combination parking brake and pump lockout structure which, when actuated, simultaneously applies a braking force to rear drive wheels and prevents hydro pumps from being moved from their neutral positions. The mower also includes a biasing system for automatically returning hand control levers to their neutral positions when they are not being manipulated by an operator. Unique cutter deck structure, caster structure, grass catcher structure, and steering control levers are also provided.

Abstract: The weight and cost of a steerable ski can be reduced by providing a steerable ski formed of resin as a whole and which includes a hollow portion. The hollow portion is filled with a foamed material as required. Accordingly, the height in cross section of the steerable ski can be increased to thereby increase the modulus of section. As a result, the wall thickness of the steerable ski can be reduced to thereby prevent an increase in the weight and cost.

Abstract: A motor direction control device id used for electromotive vehicles which has an electric motor adapted to cause the vehicles to move forwards and backwards. The motor direction control device includes a direction control level shiftable from a neutral position into forward or reverse position. Operatively connected to the direction lever is an elongated pliable strip which is slidable along a predefined moving way by the shifting operation of the direction control lever and carries a permanent magnet. First and second magnetolectric sensors are arranged in a spaced-apart relationship with each other along the moving way of the elongated strip, each of the magnetoelectric sensors capable of generating, when left deactivated, a position signal of first logic level and activatable by the permanent magnet to produce a position signal of second logic level as the direction control lever is shifted into the forward or reverse position.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a pedestrian operated machine may be pivotally attached to the rear of the machine at (22) and comprise a frame (20) having a spine (30) with a spine extension (31) supporting a seat (32) on a stalk (34) supported by a wheel (26). The spine extension is movable between a retracted pedestrian operated mode and an extended ride-on mode when the seat can be pivoted from a fold-away position to a position of use. When in its extended position the spine extension allows the frame to be pivoted about a vertical axis (40).

Abstract: To make a rear cushion device compact and lightweight, a rear cushion device is accommodated inside a track belt of an endless track device and includes a separate damper and cushion spring. The damper is slightly inclined downward towards the front side and is supported at its upper end by a floor. The cushion spring is positioned substantially upright in its compressed state.

Abstract: A suspension system mountable to the chassis of a snowmobile and about which an endless track is carried. The suspension includes a slide frame for engagement with a lower portion of the endless track and one or more springs for urging the slide frame downwardly away from the chassis. The suspension system also includes a downwardly angled suspension arm having an upper end pivotally mounted to the snowmobile chassis. The lower end of the arm is pivotally connected to the slide frame so as to permit limited longitudinal movement of the lower end of the arm with respect to the slide frame. An adjustable limit is provided for adjustably limiting the degree of longitudinal movement of the lower end of the arm with respect to the slide frame to adjustably control the range of orientations of the slide frame with respect to the snowmobile chassis.

Abstract: An improved bail is provided for use on a lawn mower. The bail includes a pivot stop member that is integral with the bail and which is positioned within a first hollow portion of a first leg of a control handle attached to the lawn mower. To stop the bail from pivoting in a first direction, the bail is released by the operator. A second end of a pivot stop member then comes into contact with the inside surface of the hollow portion of the first leg. This stops the bail from pivoting.

Abstract: A less heavy and small-sized assisted wheelchair that does not require so much manual labor of an assistant's handle operation. The wheelchair D comprises a frame assembly 1, casters 2 and 3, driving wheels 4 and 5, handrims 6 and 7, and a battery portion 11. In the inside of the casing 14 which covers the hub shaft 13 of the driving wheel 4, there are disposed a driving force detector 40 for detecting the human driving force applied to the handrim 6, a motor 21 for auxiliarily driving the driving wheel 4, and a controller 20 for controlling the motor 21 based on the result of the detection by the driving force detector 40. Also, on the upper rear portion of the frame assembly 1, there is disposed a driving force detector 50 for detecting the human driving force applied to the handles 8 and 9 by the assistant. The controller 20 controls and drives the motor 21 in accordance with the amount of human driving force of the assistant detected by the driving force detector 50.

Abstract: A self-propelled, walk-behind traction vehicle includes a power source, a pair of drive wheels and an improved operator-manipulated drive control mechanism for selectively coupling the drive wheels to the power source in a manner that allows the operator to control propulsion and steering of the vehicles. The drive control mechanism includes a friction drive unit having a pair of reversible, variable speed transmissions associated with respective ones of the drive wheels for selectively coupling the drive wheels to the power source. The control mechanism further includes a pair of independently swingable control handles configured to be gripped by the operator and operably coupled to respective ones of the transmissions so that the speed and direction of rotation of each of the drive wheels is controlled by swinging a respective one of the handles.

Abstract: The invention is a self-propelled drivewheel steering power mower which can be operated in a standing or sitting position, including a pair of variable flow hydrostatic pumps with tiltable swash plates, each of which drives one of a pair of drivewheels. A vertically mounted steering shaft is rotatably supported on the mower for rotation about an axis concentric with said shaft; and a T-shaped steering handle bar is rotatably journaled to the end of said steering shaft for twisting about an axis concentric with said handle bar.

Abstract: A number of embodiments for suspension units for snowmobile drive belts that provide a compact assembly and yet permit the use of a single cushioning unit that can extend horizontally within the frame so as to provide large suspension travel in a relatively small area.

Abstract: First rear swing arms are pivotably supported at their front ends to a drive shaft on which drive wheels are mounted. The rear ends of the first rear swing arms are pivotably supported through a shaft to the front ends of side rails, and first idlers are mounted on the shaft. Second idlers are mounted on a shaft to which the rear ends of the side rails are supported, and second rear swing arms are supported at their lower ends to shafts supported to the rear ends of the side rails. The upper ends of the second rear swing arms are supported to a shaft supported to a floor. A track belt is wrapped around the drive wheels and the idlers. Sliders and are individually mounted on the first rear swing arms and the side rails, respectively.

Abstract: A snowmobile construction comprising a body frame and having slide rails suspended from the body frame through a front and rear suspension arm, and an endless track which runs under tension upon a drive and a plurality of driven wheels rotatably borne on the slide rails. The rear suspension has front and rear suspension arms which connect the body frame and the slide rails in parallelogram linkage fashion. Compression coil springs and shock absorbers are operatively mounted between the slide rails and the front and rear suspension arms. An inclined slide block and slot coupling interconnects the rear suspension arm and each slide rail to automatically react both front and rear suspension arms upon initial encounter of the slide rails with a snow bump at either end of the slide rail. This coupling also urges the snowmobile into an upwardly pitched condition upon acceleration with the forward ends of the slide rails digging into the ground surface for enhanced traction.

Abstract: A rear suspension system for a land vehicle comprising a single generally centrally mounted structure in a middle portion of the rear suspension system. The suspension system comprises a pair of inclined primary suspension means, and a pair of inclined primary oscillating arms for pivotally connected to a pair of laterally spaced longitudinal slides at an underside area of the chassis of the land vehicle. Each of the primary oscillating arms comprise a distal end, which are further coupled to a horizontal bar adjacent a distal end of the primary suspension means, such as a shock absorber, and a proximal end which are individually mounted a horizontal bar adjacent a front end of the primary suspension means at an underside portion of the chassis. The suspension system further comprises a Weight Transfer Dynamic Compensator for raising a front tip portion of the longitudinal slides each time there is a transfer of weight in the vehicle.

Abstract: A snowmobile having a crawler belt operatively connected to a drive wheel, slide rails and guide wheels supported by the slide rails, the slide rails including a main slide rail arranged at approximately a midportion of the crawler belt, and a pair of right and left side slide rails arranged along outside side edges of the crawler belt, the guide wheels being arranged between the main slide rail and the side slide rails.

Abstract: A zero turning radius power lawn mower for operation by a standing occupant includes first and second independently driven and controlled rear drive wheels mounted on separate drive axles. A riding platform for supporting the standing occupant or operator is located between the first and second rear drive wheels. The rear drive wheels are independently driveable in both the forward and reverse directions at variable speeds so as to allow for substantially zero radius turning of the mower about a central turning point. The riding platform is positioned near this turning point or axis so that the standing occupant remains substantially unaffected by centrifugal force created during approximate zero radius turning of the mower thereby allowing the mower to take such turns at higher speeds. The low center of gravity created by the position of the riding platform for the standing operator also results in the mower having improved traction and being less likely to pop "wheelies" upon acceleration.

Abstract: A device for controllably moving a vehicle that includes a drive wheel. The device includes a drive motor that provides energy for moving the drive wheel, a steering tiller conjoined to the drive wheel for changing vehicle direction and a control grip attached to the steering tiller for increasing and decreasing power to the drive motor. The present invention also includes a control grip.

Abstract: A tunnel body for a snowmobile, with a cooperating seat cushion, which provides greater space within the tunnel body to accommodate extended travel of the rear suspension, including the rear idler wheels and track, when the rear suspension is subjected to a large rise or bump. This is accomplished without raising the height of the snowmobile rider, thus improving handling.

Abstract: A motor-driven vehicle includes a vehicle body. A wheel has a fixed axle secured to the vehicle body. A driving arrangement which includes a driving unit and a battery is built in the wheel. A manipulating unit is mounted on the vehicle body, which produces an electrical signal to be supplied to the driving arrangement. The fixed axle has a hollow in it, and a signal line interconnecting the manipulating unit and the driving arrangement is disposed in the hollow in the axle.

Abstract: An end shaft mounted clutch which is inexpensive to produce, maintain, and install, even on an existing belt driven lawn mower.

Abstract: A handle slide control for a push implement that includes a cable running in a tubular handle. The tubular handle includes a slot and a knob slideably engaged in the slot. The cable, running generally in a loop, is fixed at a proximal end portion to an interior portion of the knob and is further fixed at a distal end portion to a component of the push implement. One preferred implement is a snowthrower and a preferred component is a snow directional chute. The tubular handle is hinged and may be folded with the cable to its compact form for storage. Pulley wheels direct the cable from the tubular handle to the body of the push implement. In operation, a sliding of the cable by the knob to an infinite number of positions in turn permits a wide variety of options for the component. Operation of the sliding cable is easily accomplished, even while squeezing the elongate kill bar switch.

Abstract: A motor-driven vehicle includes a vehicle body including a handlebar, a drive wheel mounted to the vehicle body, a driving unit for driving the drive wheel, and a manual-driving-force sensing unit for sensing a manual driving force exerted to the handlebar to move the vehicle body and generating a control signal for controlling the driving unit in accordance with the sensed manual driving force. The manual-driving-force sensing unit includes a displaceable grip mounted displaceable along the length of said handlebar, a potentiometer for sensing displacement of the grip and generating the control signal in accordance with the sensed displacement of the grip, first and second stop members disposed spaced from each other along the length of the handlebar, a spring having one end contacting the first stop member and having the other end contacting the second stop member, and a piston having first and second portions adjacent to said first and second stop members, respectively, for driving the spring.

Abstract: A drive belt suspension for a snowmobile which permits the front and rear of the drive track to move independent of each other and load respective front and rear suspension means until a predetermined degree of travel has occurred. Thereafter, both suspension systems are loaded upon continued movement so as to provide an increase in rate of the suspension system to prevent bottoming.

Abstract: A suspension device for providing a resilient support for a snowmobile body includes a frame for supporting the snowmobile body. A slide rail is operatively connected to the frame for pressing a crawler belt against a snow surface. A swing arm includes a first end pivotally supported on the frame and a second end pivotally mounted on the slide rail. A shock absorber includes a first end pivotally supported on a shaft adjacent to the first end of the swing arm, and a second end of the shock absorber being connected to the frame through a progressive link pivotally supported on the swing arm.

Abstract: A cable control lever apparatus is provided for use in a walk-behind lawnmower. The lawnmower includes a mower deck, a handle bar connected to the deck for permitting walk-behind operation of the mower, and a pair of control cables supported for translational movement relative to the handle bar. The handle bar including a pair of laterally spaced side arms, and an end bar extending between the side arms and connecting them together. Each side arm includes a transverse hole aligned with the hole in the other arm for receiving a bail formed of a shape corresponding to the shape of the handle bar. The bail includes opposed out-turned ends sized for receipt in the holes in the handle bar to permit relative pivotal movement of the bail between a non-actuated position spaced from the end bar of the handle bar and an actuated position against the end bar. The bail is connected to one of the cables so that movement of the bail is transmitted to the cable.

Abstract: A belt drive tensioning device for a walk-behind mower having a power source, a transmission and shiftable between forward, neutral and reverse modes, right and left drive pulley's driven by the transmission, right and left drive belts driven by the drive pulleys, right and left ground engaging wheels driven by the drive belts, right and left idler pulleys shiftable into engagement against the drive belts for selectively placing drive tension in the drive belts, right and left biasing means for applying a force to the idler pulleys to bias the idler pulleys into engagement with the drive belts and place drive tension in said drive belts, right and left rods operatively coupled with the idler pulleys for shifting the idler pulleys toward and away from engagement with the drive belts, right and left pivotable levers coupled with the rods, the levers being independently engagable by the operator for pulling the respective rod and shifting the respective idler pulley in a direction away from engagement with the d

Abstract: A snowmobile construction comprising a body frame and having slide rails suspended from the body frame through a front and rear suspension arm, and an endless track which runs under tension upon a drive and a plurality of driven wheels rotatably borne on the slide rails. The rear suspension has front and rear suspension arms which connect the body frame and the slide rails in parallelogram linkage fashion. Compression coil springs and shock absorbers are operatively mounted between the slide rails and the front and rear suspension arms. An inclined slide block and slot coupling interconnects the rear suspension arm and each slide rail to automatically react both front and rear suspension arms upon initial encounter of the slide rails with a snow bump at either end of the slide rail. This coupling also urges the snowmobile into an upwardly pitched condition upon acceleration with the forward ends of the slide rails digging into the ground surface for enhanced traction.

Abstract: An adjustable shock absorber having a movable sealing piston located within the shock absorber for sealing fluid and a suspension adjuster connected to the shock absorber for moving fluid between the adjuster and the shock absorber so as to change the overall length of the shock absorber without changing the stroke length.

Abstract: A motor-driven cart includes a manned/unmanned operation change-over switch, first and second electric motors for driving the cart, a handle lever provided to a main body of the cart to be swung to a predetermined angle with respect to a left, right, forward or backward direction, and a device for generating electric signal for steering and for speed control in response to a swing operation of the handle lever. When an operator changes the manned/unmanned operation change-over switch to its manned operation side and the handle lever is placed in its neutral zone, the motors are put in their stopped state. When the operator manipulates the handle lever in the left, right, forward or backward direction to a position outside the neutral zone, the forward or reverse rotational speeds of the first and second motors are increased in proportion to the extent of the swing operation to turn the cart to the left or right direction or to perform the forward or backward speed control.

Abstract: A single lever handle control mechanism constrained to pivot about two perpendicular axes to control forward, reverse, speed and steering of the mower. By this constraint to the movement of the lever handle, inadvertent movement of the lever handle is less likely to occur when the mower is bouncing over uneven terrain. Forward or backward movement of the lever handle is constrained about a single transverse axis. Right or left movement of the lever handle about the longitudinal axis effects steering of the mower. The longitudinal axis is constrained to move in a single plane perpendicular to the transverse axis. As an option a second lever handle, constrained as the first lever handle and linked to the first lever handle may be provided for control from a second location. With a lever handle on each side of the operator the mower can be fully controlled with either hand. The lever handle control is most advantageously applied to a zero turn radius riding lawn mower.

Abstract: A motor arrangement for a roller skater comprising a frame provided with a prime mover, a pair of tires mounted on a transversal axle connected to the frame, a drive bar integral with such frame and carrying at the fore end the motor controls, and a thrust cross-bar secured to the drive bar and pushing the body of the user seizing such drive bar.

Abstract: Walk behind lawn, garden and driveway apparatus having a motor driven set of wheels and a driven blade and including a selectively releasable wheel brake, the wheel brake being continuously biased into the engaged position and an operator moveable control for disengaging the drive to the blade with the connection between the brake control and blade drive control being effected through an interlock which mechanically precludes blade rotation unless the operator controlled brake is disengaged. A suitable control for applying drive power to the wheels can be provided so that not only is manual movement of the apparatus permitted with the brake disengaged and the blade drive engaged or disengaged but also upon actuation of a suitable control, the power to the wheels is applied.

Abstract: An auxiliary drive for a travelling device has a boosting effect when the driving power requirements are high and has a regenerative effect when the driving power requirements are low or negative. The auxiliary drive is provided with a measurement device for the primary driving power and with a control that increases or diminishes the generated torque by reducing or increasing the regenerative braking torque when a predetermined primary driving force is exceeded or not reached, respectively. The use of regenerative braking to charge the batteries allows small and relatively light batteries to be used.

Abstract: An adjustable suspension system which has a shock absorber affixed to the suspension system, a movable sealing piston located within a shock absorber for sealing fluid and a suspension adjuster connected to the shock absorber for moving fluid between the adjuster and the shock absorber. A conduit connects the suspension adjuster and the shock absorber. The conduit also includes a hose connecting the suspension adjuster with the shock absorber. A shock housing is adjacent to and outside the shock body. The shock housing surrounds the periphery of the shock body. The shock housing and the shock body define a passageway for fluid. The shock body has a portion that defines at least one port hole between the shock cap and the sealing piston. The shock absorber includes a fluid chamber defined by a shock cap, a shock body, and the sealing piston.