Abstract: Apparatus to reduce the force required to move a load along a flat or inclined surface utilizing an assembly of two traction wheels on a common axis whereby one wheel is free to rotate and the other is prevented from rotation and vice versa by the use of a uni-directional control arm system and means for applying a horizontal oscillating force in alternating left and right hand directions in the form of a relatively long handle attached to the axle housing midway between said traction wheels. The wheel assembly is particularly useful for trailers for carrying animals, small boats, recreational vehicles, two-wheeled hand trucks and similar applications.

Abstract: A self-propelled, upright suction or vacuum cleaner includes a base unit and a handle assembly pivotally extending therefrom that can be pivoted from an upright position to a comfortable operating position. The handle assembly includes a handle grip at one end and a drive system housing at its other end containing a drive system including a cleaner motor for propelling the cleaner. The drive system includes a transmission for transferring power from the cleaner motor to a pair of drive wheels fixedly secured to a drive axle. The transmission is remotely disposed from the drive axle and is connected thereto by a drive belt. The transmission includes an actuator that is controlled by a cable extending from the handle grip. As long as the handle grip maintains the actuator in a neutral position, the drive wheels are not rotated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering device for paved surface cleaners, of a type commonly referred to as auto-scrubbers and comprising a first forward movement control assembly (11) having at least two manually seizable handle levers (13) for oscillation in an angular direction, an electric motor (8) controlled by the handle lever (13) oscillation, and two traction wheels (6) driven by the electric motor (8), and a second steering control assembly (12) independent of movements of the handle levers (13) and having at least two pushbutton controls (21a) located at the handle lever (13) ends and being actuatable manually, two electromagnets (19) connected electrically to said pushbutton controls (21a), and two brakes (9) for the traction wheels (6) applied selectively by the electromagnets (19).

Abstract: An agricultural machine has two power transmission lines, one of which includes a disk type frictional stepless change speed apparatus and the other of which includes a belt transmission apparatus. The disk type frictional stepless change speed apparatus comprises a drive disk formed integrally with a split pulley of the belt transmission apparatus, a driven disk in pressure contact with and receiving power from the drive disk, a driven shaft slidably carrying the driven disk, and stays for supporting the driven shaft, the stays being oscillatable about an axis parallel to the driven shaft to permit the driven disk to be released from pressure contact with the drive disk. The agricultural machine further includes a mechanism for sliding the driven disk to effect speed changing.

Abstract: A drive control for a vehicle such as a floor scrubber, a floor sweeper, a pallet truck or the like, operated by a person walking or riding on a sulky behind it, includes first and second drive motors each arranged to drive a vehicle wheel. Manual means are provided whereby an operator by manipulation of a control may determine vehicle speed; forward and reverse direction; and turning right or left. A variable voltage is responsive to the operator's movements for providing an electrical signal representative of the desired speed in either the forward or reverse direction. Other movements by the operator of the control provide turning in the right or left direction. The means for detecting a turning control signal from the operator is effective to reduce the motor drive signal to the motor on the inside of the desired turn, from the level representative of the existing speed toward a no-speed level at a programmed rate.

Abstract: A control system for providing power to independently driven wheels of a power driven cart for transporting medical diagnostic equipment. A manually engageable handle is mounted to the cart in a position allowing a person to exert a manual force on the handle in a direction in which it is desired for the cart to move. Force sensors are coupled to the handle to sense the manual force applied to it in a plane parallel to the plane on which the cart is to be moved. The force sensors provide signals representative of the magnitude and direction of the manual force applied to the handle in forward, reverse and turning directions. Electronic circuits are coupled to the force sensors for providing control signals to motors driving the wheels of the cart for independently controlling direction and velocity of movement of the cart.

Abstract: A handle mounted control for the blade brake clutch mechanism and/or the ground wheel drive of a walk-behind rotary power mower. The control requires two distinct actions for actuation. The first action is movement of a deadman lever in the form of a bail from a disengaged to an engaged position. The second action is movement of the control lever from disengaged position to operating position when the deadman lever is in engaged position. Release of the deadman lever to disengaged position releases the control lever from operating position and permits it to return to disengaged position under the biasing force of a cable connected between the control lever and the controlled mechanism on the mower deck.

Abstract: Relatively heavy duty and large auger assemblies often used in present day farming are difficult to move and maneuver around a farmyard or the like and it is not always convenient to hitch a tractor to such auger assemblies for relatively short distance moving. This invention includes a small electric or gasoline motor or engine which can be operatively connected to a small wheel which is mounted within a frame secured to the auger assembly framework and which engages the ground. Means are provided so that this small wheel can be rotated in either direction. A small castoring wheel assembly supports the rear end of the auger assembly and when the small wheel is operatively connected to the motor, the wheel may be rotated slowly thus enabling the auger assembly to be moved as desired. Directional control is by steering the rear end of the auger assembly manually.A further embodiment connects the motor and the main supporting ground engaging wheels directly.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine having a speed control and steering member which operates under operator-applied deformation thereof. The invention provides improved consumer convenience at steering and speed control.

Abstract: A tracked load carrying vehicle comprises a chassis (10); an engine (11) mounted on the chassis for propelling the vehicle; an output shaft (13) driven by the engine; two tracks (14,15) provided in parallel on either side of the chassis and each one running over a plurality of wheels (16-19,20-23), at least one of which being adapted to be driven by the output shaft (13) of the engine for driving the track; and a control lever (60) for steering the vehicle. A clutch is connected between the output shaft (13) of the engine and each one of the tracks (14,15), so that either one of the tracks can be disengaged. The control lever (60) is adapted to actuate one or the other of the clutches by means of a linkage, so that the clutch interrupts the transmission to the pertaining track (14,15). These features will give the vehicle a small turning radius and good maneuverability. The vehicle can also be provided with braking means for braking the tracks.

Abstract: A steerable device for moving trailer type vehicles, for example in working and parking areas. The device includes an engine for driving at least one of the wheels, means for connecting the device to that part of a trailer type vehicle normally connected to the fifth wheel connection of a tractor unit, and tiller steering for turning a steerable wheel or wheels. The device also includes an air compressor driven by the engine and a flexible connection provided with a quick-release adaptor for coupling the air compressor to the braking system of a trailer type vehicle for releasing its brakes.

Abstract: An improved movable control for a self-propelled upright vacuum cleaner. The control includes a sleeve longitudinally movably mounted on the distal end of the upright handle of the vacuum cleaner and includes locking structure for retaining the sleeve in a center neutral position, wherein the drive of the nozzle wheels is maintained in a neutral condition. The locking structure is readily manipulatible to release the sleeve from the neutral position when desired and permit it to be moved in opposite directions so as to effect corresponding forward or rearward operation of the drive. The sleeve is maintained relatively short while yet providing a long travel in providing facilitated user control of the drive operation. The sleeve is provided in two halves which are secured together by an improved securing arrangement. In one form, the locking structure is pivotable about an axis parallel to the handle end portion, and in another form, the locking means is pivotable about an axis transversely thereto.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having an improved power drive utilizing a ball disc transmission. In one form, the transmission is self-centering for automatic return thereof to a position wherein the wheel drive is effectively locked. The transmission is arranged to permit free wheeling when desired by suitable manipulation of the control provided for controlling the transmission. In another illustrated form, the transmission is arranged to provide free wheeling when the transmission is returned to a minimum speed arrangement. The system provides a smooth, accurately controllable power drive of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A control apparatus for the blade clutch assembly of a walk-behind powered lawnmower is provided that incorporates a "dead man" feature along with a two-step procedure for engagement of the clutch. The control apparatus includes a shiftable bail, a cable having an engageable end portion, a two-armed coupling mechanism responsive to shifting of the handle, and a pivotally mounted cam for engaging and disengaging the coupling mechanism from the cable end portion. The coupling mechanism is positioned in cable end portion engaging alignment by shifting of the handle to a first position, and is maintained in engagement with the cable end portion by one surface of the cam as the handle and cable are shifted to second positions. The cable is biased by a coil spring to its first position, and upon release of the handle the cable will shift from the second to the first position.

Abstract: A golf bag cart has a base supported at its front end by a pair of drive wheels and at its rear center by a trailing wheel above which the base is provided with a seat for a golf bag. Forwardly of the base the cart has a support inclined forwardly at an angle of approximately 75.degree. and extending forwardly of the front of the base and provided with a transverse, rotatable handle. A reversible motor mounted on the base is powered by a storage battery and is of a type provided with a gear box having transversely aligned shafts each of which is connected by an over-running clutch to the appropriate one of the drive wheels. The cart is provided with a control circuit including a variable speed control by which the operator can control both the motor speed and its direction with the motor speed controlled by turning the handle to establish a selected rate of travel and motor direction controlled by a separate switch.

Abstract: A three-wheel golf bag cart is shown which includes power means centrally slung thereunder for maximum stability of the cart, and wherein the power means does not impede cart folding for transport and storage. A flexible elongated control cable to a hand-held control permits the golfer to effect off-on or multiple forward speed control while still retaining the ability to manually guide the cart, both by the cart handle and by tension on the control cable.

Abstract: A self-propelled lawn mower (2) has an engine (4), transmission (8), two drive wheels (10) and a rearwardly and upwardly extending handle (18). A pivotable and rotatable control bar (20) is mounted on handle (18). The pivotable and rotatable bar (20) provides individual or simultaneous engagement of drive wheels for ground traction, gradual or zero radius turns, and braking. Thus a single control bar (20) provides a multitude of functions.

Abstract: A snowmobile track drive system wherein the track drive sprockets and idler wheels are mounted to a hollow framed enclosure interior to the track. Slide rails are also mounted to the edges of the enclosure and about which the endless track revolves. The hollow enclosure is further pivotally mounted to the front of the snowmobile chassis, while the back end of the track assembly is pivotally mounted to the chassis via a pair of shock absorbers. Snow and ice buildup interior to the track and encountered shocks are thus reduced.

Abstract: A battery powered golf club cart having an elongated handle which controls both the power applied to its rear wheels and a brake associated with its front wheel. When the handle is depressed an electric motor which rotates the rear wheels is actuated and the front brake is released. When the handle is raised, the electric motor is disabled and the front wheel is drawn into contact with a braking member. A full set of golf clubs are vertically held in a flat rack forming a part of the cart framework and, after removal of the battery, the cart may be collapsed into a thin flat package, convenient for transporting and storage, without need for removal of the golf clubs.

Abstract: A self propelled two speed vehicle suitable for use as a golf cart, in which the frame is arranged to carry one or two golfers and/or their golf clubs over short distances such as are encountered in golf course use. The cart is provided with a low level flat rearwardly directed riding platform applied between the two rear wheels of the vehicle which enables one or two persons to ride the scooter by standing on the platform, in side by side relation where two persons are to ride the vehicle, with the vehicle frame and platform being arranged for ease of mounting and dismounting same by stepping up or stepping down from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle has a single foot actuated control lever for actuating or stopping the vehicle, and a steering wheel for steering the vehicle front wheel, which control lever and steering wheel are centered so that a rider standing in either the right or left side positions on the riding platform can operate the scooter vehicle.

Abstract: A control lever assembly for a self-propelled lawn mower including a first control lever for selectively connecting and disconnecting a first clutch operatively coupled between a prime mover and wheels, a second control lever for selectively connecting and disconnecting a second clutch operatively coupled between the prime mover and a grass-cutting blade, and an engagement element mounted on the second control lever and engageable with the first control lever to cause the second control lever to be moved in a direction to connect the second clutch when the first control lever is moved in a direction to connect the first clutch. The control lever assembly also includes a mechanism for moving the engagement element between an operative position in which the engagement element is engageable with the first control lever and an inoperative position in which the engagement element is held out of engagement with the first control lever.

Abstract: A remote control handle assembly for remote control of a powered dolly, with the control handle assembly including a handle mount which rotatably mounts a pair of handles. The powered dolly has a pair of spring-centered valves and a pair of mechanical push-pull cables extending between the handle mount and the valves, with a movable inner cable of each push-pull cable connected one to each of the handles. Rotation of one handle controls forward-reverse direction of travel of the powered dolly and the rotation of the other handle controls steering, with the rotational axes of the handles being structurally related whereby one handle counteracts the rotational torque of the other handle.

Abstract: A motor driven vehicle is described which has a control handle grasped by the operator, the handle having an inner portion connected to the vehicle and a free end portion. The speed is controlled in accordance with the position of the free end of the handle by a novel device which includes a rheostat connected to the drive motor and a rack and pinion mechanism connected to the rheostat. The drive motor is a direct current electrical motor and the rheostat has a resistance portion corresponding to and effecting a braking action on the vehicle through the motor. The novel clutch comprises an inner hub and an outer hub, and one of the inner and outer hubs has a serrated surface and the outer hub carries a plurality of needles extending toward the serrated surface the needles being canted in a given direction so that rotary motion can be transmitted in a predetermined direction between the hubs whereas for the opposite direction the hubs are substantially free-wheeling.

Abstract: A brake arrangement for a snowmobile vehicle of the type having a so-called mono-body suspension system. In this arrangement, the snowmobile's engine shaft is coupled through a conventional variable speed drive system to a jack shaft which is journaled for rotation with respect to the frame of the vehicle. Pivotally coupled on one end of the jack shaft is a chain case which encloses a sprocket wheel. A support arm on the other end of the jack shaft extends parallel to the chain case. Extending between the sprocket wheel on the jack shaft and a further sprocket wheel associated with the snowmobile's track drive shaft is an endless chain. That track drive shaft is journaled for rotation between the spaced-apart rails defining an orbital path of motion for the ground-engaging track of the vehicle. The rail system defining the orbital path is joined to the frame proximate the rear of the snowmobile vehicle by means of shock absorbers.

Abstract: The electric outboard motor has a control head in which a steering tiller is mounted for limited rotational and axial movement. A rotary switch is operated by rotary movement of the tiller and regulates operation and speed of the motor. A toggle switch is operated by axial movement of the tiller to select forward and reverse operation of the motor. Motor operation, speed, forward and reverse are controlled by the steering tiller.

Abstract: A snowmobile construction comprising a body frame having a slide rail suspended from the body frame through front and rear suspensions, and an endless track which runs under tension upon a drive pulley rotatably borne on the body frame. The driven pulley is rotatably borne on the slide rail, with the slide rail, the front rear suspensions connecting the body frame and the slide rail through link mechanisms, respectively. Compression coil springs and shock absorbers are held between links adapted to shift in directions opposite to each other. As a result, the present invention has the effect that vehicle safety and riding comfortability of the driver is ensured for a changing, wide range of undulations of a snow surface.

Abstract: A hand control system for a motorized implement such as a snowblower, lawn mower or tiller having a U-shaped handle in which a pair of control levers and a U-shaped bail are pivotally mounted on the handle such that the control levers can be pivoted independently or conjointly by the bail from a first, at-rest, inoperative position distal from the handle to a second, operative position proximate to the handle. The bail co-operates with the control levers to permit sequential activation of one control lever before the other for improved operation of the implement, permits one-handed control of the implement from various positions on the implement handle, and at all times maintains the safety feature of a "deadman" control.

Abstract: A compact, safety control assembly for lawnmowers having a cable actuated clutch between the motor and blade is provided which includes a "dead man" function along with an operating mechanism requiring two distinct steps for engaging the clutch and initiating rotation of the lawnmower blade. The control apparatus preferably includes a clutch cable biased to a clutch-disengaged position, a first handle engageable with the clutch cable for shifting the cable to a clutch-engaged position, a second movable handle for releasably retaining the clutch cable in the clutch-engaged position, a spring for yieldably biasing the second handle to a position wherein the clutch cable is released from the second handle means, and a shiftable detent that prevents shifting movement of the first handle means when the second handle means is in its normal, biased position. Two control assemblies of the type disclosed may be used in tandem on lawnmowers having a clutch-engaged blade and a clutch-engaged ground drive.

Abstract: An improved suspension system for the drive track of a snowmobile that offers wide amounts of suspension travel and yet is compact enough to be positioned internally of the track. The suspension system permits the use of a tubular shock absorber and a surrounding coil spring for both the front and rear portions of the track. Both front and rear suspension systems embody a link arrangement for moving the ends of the shock absorber and spring toward each other upon upward travel of the track relative to the snowmobile body so as to achieve a wider range of damping for a given degree of suspension travel.

Abstract: A compact, unitary attachment for the control handle of a power lawnmower is provided that couples a hand-graspable bail to the clutch control cable of the lawnmower. The attachment body is preferably molded from a synthetic resin material and includes a bail-receiving channel coupling the attachment to the bail for pivotal motion therewith, a slot for engageably receiving the end fitting of the cable, and a control handle-engaging arm extending from the attachment. The attachment body readily accommodates a spring for biasing the bail to a released position.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes a pair of skis connected to the snowmobile frame by a forward suspension including a pair of telescopic struts which are biased to normally extended positions and are connected to a stabilizer member including a transverse torsion bar. A drive track of the snowmobile is suspended from the frame by a rear suspension, including a link pivotally connected between the frame, and a pair of slide rails and biased downwardly by a pair of torsion springs having respective ends engaged with a pivotally mounted spring end retainer which is connected to the torsion bar of the forward suspension by a pair of motion transfer links which act to "soften" the rear suspension in response to upward telescopic movement of one or the other or both of the telescopic struts.

Abstract: A self-propelled ski is powered by an engine connected to a pair of treads disposed on opposite lateral sides of the ski. The treads are mounted on a chassis which is pivotally connected to the ski and can be moved between an operative position with the treads engaging the ground surface and an inoperative position with the treads disposed above the surface.

Abstract: An improved suspension system for the drive track of a snowmobile that offers wide amounts of suspension travel and yet is compact enough to be positioned internally of the track. The suspension system permits the use of a tubular shock absorber and a surrounding coil spring for both the front and rear portions of the track.

Abstract: A vehicle having an endless track which is in driving engagement at the front end portion with an engine-driven wheel. A slide rail assembly is provided for engagement with the lower run of the endless track. The suspension mechanism includes a suspension spring assembly which is connected at the front end directly or indirectly with the slide rail assembly. The other end of the spring assembly is connected with the free end of a swingable arm which is pivotably mounted at the other end on the vehicle frame. The intermediate portion of the swingable arm is connected with the rear portion of the slide rail assembly through a linkage including a crank lever.

Abstract: An improved rear suspension for a snowmobile. The improved rear suspension includes a first link and a second link, each having a first end and a second end. An extensible, shock mounted link also has a first end and a second end. The first and second links are non-pivotal relative to each other. A first pivot is defined on the snowmobile frame, a second pivot is defined on the snowmobile frame rearwardly of the first pivot, and a third pivot is spaced downwardly of the first and second pivots. A fourth pivot is movably located relative to the first, second and third pivots. The first ends of the first and second links are pivotally carried by the first pivot, the second end of the first link is pivotally carried by the third pivot, the second end of the extensible link is pivotally carried by the second pivot, and the second end of the second link and the first end of the extensible link are pivotally connected together at the fourth pivot.