Abstract: A lawn mower includes a blade assembly configured to perform a cutting function. The blade assembly includes an upper blade mounted about a blade rotation axis and an upper blade proximal portion being substantially flat and including a first cutting edge. A lower blade is mounted in overlap with the upper blade about the blade rotation axis. The lower blade includes a lower blade proximal portion positioned outward from the lower blade mounting portion in a radial direction, a lower blade end portion positioned outward from the lower blade proximal portion and below the lower blade proximal portion, and a second cutting edge. A lower blade falling portion transitions from the lower blade proximal portion to the lower blade end portion.

Abstract: A snow removal device may include an engine assembly operably coupled at least in part to a frame of the snow removal device. The snow removal device may further include a mobility assembly operably coupled to the frame and the engine assembly to provide mobility of the snow removal device responsive at least in part to operation of the engine assembly. The snow removal device may even further include an ejection assembly that includes a chute for ejecting material from the snow removal device, and a handle assembly that includes a lever assembly. Moreover, the snow removal device may also include a chute rotation assembly operably coupled to the chute of the ejection assembly. The chute rotation assembly may include a cable system, the cable system operably coupling the lever assembly to the chute rotation assembly.

Abstract: A grass catcher having a monocoque container which is downwardly tapered from its rear end to its front end, the rear end being open and larger in size than the front end. A front wall closes off the front end. A continuous material sheet forms a flat top wall, a side wall, and a flat bottom wall. The side wall has a series of adjacently aligned, frustum segments. This side wall extends downward from the top wall which is fixedly attached to the front wall and a flat side wall. The side wall is fixedly attached directly to the front and bottom walls. The container has a plurality of hole patterns, which, in combination with the shape of the container, facilitate air flow through the grass catcher and thus the flow of loose grass clippings through the grass catcher.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for automatic sensitivity adjustment for an autonomous mower. An exemplary mower includes a drive system and one or more cameras for capturing one or more images. One or more processors are configured to generate a grass value by applying a machine learning algorithm to the one or more images, instruct the drive system to maintain a current direction in response to determining that the grass value is greater than a mowing threshold, instruct the drive system to turn in response to determining that the grass value is less than or equal to the mowing threshold, determine a trigger rate that indicates how often the grass value is less than the mowing threshold within a predefined period of time, and decrease the mowing threshold by a predefined increment in response to determining that the trigger rate is greater than an upper threshold rate.

Abstract: A snowblower belt drive system a tensioner pulley that can slide forwardly and rearwardly in a path that is substantially parallel to an endless drive belt between a drive pulley and a driven pulley. A drive belt engagement spring urges the tensioner pulley rearwardly along the slot to engage the drive pulley and driven pulley. A manual return spring urges the tensioner pulley forwardly along the slot to disengage the drive pulley and driven pulley.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle may include a power module and a working module. The power module may include control circuitry configured to execute stored instructions to direct operation of the robotic vehicle on a defmed area, and a drive motor for propelling the robotic vehicle responsive to control by the control circuitry. The working module may be configured to perform a function with respect to the defmed area responsive to being propelled by the power module. The working module may be one of a plurality of interchangeable working modules that are attachable to the power module. At least one of the interchangeable working modules may have a different function than the working module.

Abstract: A mower deck grass collector chute includes an inlet connected to a side discharge opening in a mower deck, and a tubular portion that extends upwardly and rearwardly to an outlet. The inlet is positioned under the horizontal deck surface and has a curved surface extending forwardly under the mower deck around the perimeter of a first cutting chamber. A forward end of the curved surface may be in front of the first cutting chamber.

Abstract: A mower deck is provided herein. The mower deck includes a housing having a top plate and a downwardly extending wall that depends from a substantial portion of a perimeter of the top plate. The housing includes an attachment member configured to hingedly couple the housing to equipment such that the housing may rotate through a plurality of positions. First and second blades are disposed within the housing configured to rotate in respective first and second directions. A driving unit is operatively connected to the first and second blades. A flexible transmission is coupled to the power source of the equipment and configured to power the drive unit, wherein the transmission is operable at each of the plurality of positions of the housing.

Abstract: A bee displacement assembly provided as a mowing machine with a direct drive operated fan housed inside a housing formed with a funnel leading from an interior space of the housing and terminating in a mouth. The funnel tapers both horizontally and vertically to the mouth such that the mouth approximates a narrow, widened slot. Powering the motor turns the drive shaft that in turn operates the fan, creating a concentrated stream of air inside the fan housing that is channelized in the funnel and emitted out the mouth at an area of uncut vegetation immediately prior to cutting by a cutting deck of the mowing machine.

Abstract: A self-propelled snowthrower wherein, in one embodiment, drive members on each side of the snowthrower provide variable speed propulsion. A transmission that delivers power to the drive members may be adapted to de-clutch one of the two drive wheels when the ground speed of that wheel exceeds the driving speed of the transmission. In other embodiments, the snowthrower includes a rotor having a snow ejection surface forming a negative rake angle. Yet other embodiments include a chute rotation control mechanism that permits manual discharge chute rotation via one-handed input.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle may include a power module and a working module. The power module may include control circuitry configured to execute stored instructions to direct operation of the robotic vehicle on a defined area, and a drive motor for propelling the robotic vehicle responsive to control by the control circuitry. The working module may be configured to perform a function with respect to the defined area responsive to being propelled by the power module. The working module may be one of a plurality of interchangeable working modules that are attachable to the power module. At least one of the interchangeable working modules may have a different function than the working module.

Abstract: Variable speed control systems and methods for walk-behind working machines, such as lawnmowers and similar powered machines, can include a control lever with a lever arm that is selectively pivotable with respect to a machine handle between a first angular position at which a grip portion of the control lever is spaced apart from the handle by a first angle and a second angular position at which the control lever is proximate to the handle to control the working machine to be in one of a range of operating states corresponding to the angular position of the control lever. A control lever adjustment system is configured to selectively adjust the first angle to adjust a total possible angular travel of the control lever between the first angular position and the second angular position. In this way, an operator can set a range of operating states of the working machine.

Abstract: An auger snow-removing machine includes a forward rotation shaft and a reverse rotation shaft disposed on the same axis and aligned in a width direction of an auger housing within the auger housing, and a transmission disposed inside the auger housing such that the forward rotation shaft and the reverse rotation shaft are rotated concurrently in opposite directions by a driving force transmitted from the transmission. A case of the transmission is divided into a front case member and a rear case member at a position behind a reverse rotation drive shaft extending in the width direction of the auger housing. The front case member has a first gear unit assembled therein, and the rear case member has a second gear unit assembled therein. The first and second gear units are assembled together when the front and rear case members are assembled together.

Abstract: In an auger snow plow, right and left forward rotating augers and right and left backward rotating augers are disposed on a same axis and aligned in a width direction of an auger housing. A blower housing is disposed at a rear portion of the auger housing and also positioned at a widthwise center of the auger housing. A blower is disposed inside the blower housing. The right and left forward rotating augers are positioned at least in an entire range of a width of the blower housing. The right and left backward rotating augers are separately positioned on both sides of the right and left forward rotating augers and positioned only at a more outer side than the width of the blower housing in the width direction.

Abstract: An auger snow-removing machine includes left and right forward rotation augers rotatable in a first direction during snow removal and left and right reverse rotation augers rotatable in a second direction opposite the first direction during the snow removal. The forward and reverse rotation augers are coaxially disposed in alignment in a width direction of an auger housing within the housing. Distal ends of the left forward rotation auger and the right reverse rotation auger have phases set to substantially simultaneously reach a lowermost location when the forward and reverse rotation augers rotate. Distal ends of the right forward rotation auger and the left reverse rotation auger have phases set to substantially simultaneously reach the lowermost location when the forward and reverse rotation augers rotate.

Abstract: The present invention presents a method and system for an autonomous mower attached with a camera, wherein the control of the parameters of the camera and the control of the mower movement and grass detection are optimized holistically during operation. The present invention mitigates the camera sensing limits by adapting the movement speed of the mower. Furthermore, the camera control optimizes the visibility of grass by using the grass mask of a grass segmentation to calculate updated exposure, gain and aperture values only from grass pixels. The grass segmentation tracks changes in the grass color that are caused by illumination differences. Optionally, the system is equipped with a head light used to further improve the camera signal quality in conjunction with the control of the camera parameters and the movement speed of the mower.

Abstract: A combination device (1) is provided for carrying out various work tasks, such as cutting snow, mowing, scarifying, soil breaking or the like. The device includes a plurality of interchangeable work implements (60) tailored to the respective work task. A basic frame is provided in which the respective work implement (60) is accommodated and can be driven to rotate, and wherein the respectively installed work implement (60) is partially enclosed by a housing (23) extending parallel to the axis of rotation of the work implement. In order to tailor the combination device optimally to the respective work task, provision is made for the housing (23) to be able to rotate about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the respective work implement (60) and to be fastened in various operating positions corresponding to the respective work task.

Abstract: A snow mower blade, the blade for use with a rotary type lawn mower having a wheeled housing for movement over a surface of operation, the blade comprising an elongated horizontal, with an angle at each end of the horizontal, a pair of upwardly projecting spaced apart removable wipers disposed on the horizontal, a substantially vertical paddle plate at each end of each angle, a removable flexible paddle extending downwardly therefrom toward the surface of operation.

Abstract: A combination yard maintenance apparatus used for lawn mowing, leaf clearing and snow blowing comprises a blade assembly having an elongated support member for rotatably mounting to a drive shaft and two shovelling surfaces disposed at opposite ends of the elongated support member extending from the elongated support member downwardly and laterally opposite one from the other. Each shovelling surface has a lower edge with a cutting edge, an upper edge, an inner edge and an outer edge. The present invention also provides a clutch mechanism for engaging and disengaging an input shaft from an output shaft comprising a first and a second threadable engagement associated with the input shaft and output shaft respectively, and an initiator for inducing the engagement of the first and second threadable engagements. A friction-drive self-propelling system is also provided, comprising a driving wheel and a friction disk wherein the driving wheel has central recessed portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lawn mower powered apparatus in which the apparatus has a base rollable over a surface, and the base has a top surface for receiving a lawn mower. The apparatus is provided with a rotating shaft operably connected to the base, and a blade coupler coupled to the rotating shaft. The blade coupler has a plurality of upstanding drive pins, each drive pin being independently movable between a raised position and a lowered position. Drive pins in the raised position project above the top surface of the base to engage the leading edge of the blade of a rotating lawn mower.

Abstract: A walk behind self-propelled crawler snowplow includes a snowplow mechanism disposed on a front portion of a vehicle body, an engine disposed on a longitudinal central portion of the vehicle body for driving the snowplow mechanism, a left crawler belt and a right crawler belt disposed on a left side and a right side, respectively, of the vehicle body, and left and right electric motors disposed on a rear portion of the vehicle body for driving the left and right crawler belts, respectively. With this arrangement, the crawler snowplow has a good weight balance such that the load or weight of the vehicle body is born evenly by the crawler belts. Since the snowplow mechanism and the crawler belts are driven separately by different power sources, the crawler snowplow can exhibit a good traveling performance regardless of the load exerted on the snowplow mechanism.

Abstract: An implement having an engine and a transaxle which may be rigidly and directly attached to one another in a vertically stacked orientation to form an engine and transaxle module. The implement also includes ground engaging wheels attached to the transaxle axles, a handle allowing control of the implement, and one of a plurality of interchangeable working devices attached to the engine and transaxle module. For example, the implement may be a snow thrower having an auger assembly which is operatively coupled to one of the engine and the transaxle. The transaxle may include a pair of axially aligned axles which are selectively coupled together, such that when the axles are coupled together, the wheels are rotatably fixed together, and when the axles are not coupled together, the wheels are free to rotate relative to each other.

Abstract: A grader blade unit is provided for ready attachment to small tractors in place of an underslung mower deck. A grader blade is attached to a turntable for pivotable adjustment to selected angular settings. An extensible draw bar affixed to the turntable has a front mounting yoke at its forward end. A rear mounting yoke is affixed to the turntable. The front and rear mounting yokes are adjustable in width and the drawbar is adjustable in length so as to accommodate the mounting links of different tractors. Wing sections hingedly connected to the opposite ends of the central blade are adjustable to selected angular positions relative to the central blade. Foot stirrups are removably affixed to the blade for controlling the slope of the blade in use.

Abstract: An apparatus for clearing snow and other particulate material comprises one or a pair of arms mounted for rotation within the housing of a conventional rotary lawnmower or equivalent, as a substitute for the conventional grass-cutting blade. This enables the lawnmower to be used for clearing snow during the winter, when it cannot be used for cutting grass. The rotatable arm comprises an elongated blade member having upper and lower vanes extending upwardly and downwardly respectively from the blade member. The lower vanes act as knives to cut the snow or material to facilitate removal. The lower vanes are inclined obliquely to the blade axis so as to direct material that is below the blade member inwardly towards the axis of rotation. The upper vanes are inclined obliquely to a blade axis extending radially outwardly from the axis of rotation to direct material above the blade outwardly through a discharge opening of the housing.

Abstract: An attachment arranged for mounting to an associated lawnmower in an operative relationship to include a snowblower housing operative through a plurality of inter-related belts and pulleys to effect rotation of a plurality of impeller blades mounted within the snowblower housing. A drive pulley is mounted to a lower terminal end of the lawnmower motor output shaft to operatively effect the aforenoted rotation of the impeller structure. A modification of the invention includes a granular hopper in operative association with an exit opening and conduit of the lawnmower apparatus to effect projection of the granular material in association with the exiting snow.

Abstract: A convertible grass cutting and snow blowing machine which is supported on wheels and displaced on a surface where grass is to be cut or snow removed by a user controlling the machine from a handlebar. An engine is connected to the rotor housing which serves as a chassis, and has a drive shaft which is coupled to a rotor to impart axial rotation to the rotor. The rotor is supported between opposed side walls of a rotor housing, and is provided with at least two cutting blades secured longitudinally and spaced apart. The blades extend at a uniform height from the central axis of the rotor. Each of the blades defines a bow-shaped curve to direct grass cuttings or snow toward a mid-length region of the rotor when the rotor is rotatably driven and further, in combination with the rotor, impart a centrifugal force to direct the grass cuttings rearward toward an exit chute or snow upward toward a snow chute.

Abstract: An ice scarifying tool replaces the grass cutting blade of a conventional rotary-type power lawn mower, so that, as the mower is operated over icy surface and the tool rotates in a plane substantially parallel to an icy ground surface, depending fingers chip and scarify the surface to provide improved traction thereon. The tool comprises a support plate which may be in the shape of a substantially rectangular elongate bar, a disc or a cruciform. Coiled ice scarifying fingers are attached to the plate. An ice scarifying tip at the distal end of each finger extends groundward from the support plate. A bag attachment or auxiliary blower may be provided for removal of the chipped ice, or it may be removed by power sweeper or plow.

Abstract: A shearing attachment conformed for selective engagement to the lower edge of a snow blower including a set of toothed blades reciprocated relative each other. The reciprocal power may be derived from the forward motive power of the blower, conforming the blower for lawn growth cutting.

Abstract: Several embodiments of snow and leaf throwing blades designed to replace a conventional rotary lawn mower blade are disclosed. In one embodiment, a downwardly extending vertical bar member is attached to a rotary lawn mower blade and operates to discharge leaves or snow from the lawn mower. In a second embodiment, the downwardly extending vertical blade is curvilinearly shaped to more efficiently discharge debris from the mower. In a third embodiment, the bar is particularly designed to mulch leaves and grass before discharge, and includes a plurality of downwardly extending tines or rods to effect the combined mulching and discharge operation.

Abstract: A basic snowblower unit powered by an engine has a rectangular shroud housing a fan with a drive member associated with it. A considerable number of special units including lawnmower, vacuum-and-bagger, leaf picker, edger, rotary tiller, leaf blower, sprayer, electric generator, hydraulic pump, and air compressor, are individually attachable for support and powering by the basic snowblower unit, providing for all-year use of it, compact storage and economy in purchase and ownership.

Abstract: A rideable work apparatus having attachments that include a snow plow, a lawn mower and a roto-tiller simultaneously mounted to a frame. Cranks are provided for selectively actuating each of the attachments. A seat for the operator is connected to the cranks by a threaded rod so that when an attachment is actuated by the crank, the crank turns the threaded rod and causes the seat to displace towards the chosen attachment which shifts the center of gravity and achieves better contact between the chosen attachments and the working surface.

Abstract: A multipurpose, wheeled implement having a frame mounted platform configured to secure a lawnmower in proper disposition for utilizing the power from the lawnmower engine for driving rotary working tools carried by the implement frame. A projection of the implement frame is configured to receive thereover in telescoped relationship a socket shaped mounting structure for the rotary tool to facilitate quick interchangeability of the tools. One form of the tool disclosed is a rotary tiller and another embodiment is a snow blower.

Abstract: An attachment is disclosed for converting a rotary type lawnmower to a vacuum cleaner for picking up debris, such as grass cuttings, from sidewalks, driveways, and the like. The attachment includes a baffle member for positioning across the opening in the bottom of the housing of the rotary cutter blade. The baffle member has an opening through which air is pulled by the rotating cutter blade to lift and entrain debris from a sidewalk, driveway, or the like, and carry it into the housing for discharge through the discharge port of the housing. Means are provided for releasably attaching the baffle member to the housing so that the baffle can be attached when it is desired for the mower to act as a vacuum cleaner and removed when the mower is to function in the normal manner.

Abstract: A snow blower auxiliary for a rotary lawn mower easily attachable to the deck of the lawn mower, and which is powered by a drive belt connected to the mower's power shaft which normally would power the mower's cutter blade. The drive belt powers a vertical power shaft of the snow blower auxiliary; and that vertical power shaft passes through a relatively stationary body member through which also passes a horizontal drive shaft which powers the snow blower, and which provides a pressure means by which a spring means is able to swing the vertical power shaft in a manner to exert and maintain the desirable tension in the power belt. The auxiliary thus provides a conversion unit for achieving snow blower operativity of the lawn mower; and it provides advantages of low cost, lack of need of an auxiliary engine means, convenience of storage, off-season usage of the lawn mower's power means, etc.

Abstract: An attachment is disclosed for converting a rotary type lawnmower to a vacuum cleaner for picking up debris, such as grass cuttings, from sidewalks, driveways, and the like. The attachment includes a baffle member for positioning across the opening in the bottom of the housing of the rotary cutter blade. The baffle member has an opening through which air is pulled by the rotating cutter blade to lift and entrain debris from a sidewalk, driveway, or the like, and carry it into the housing for discharge through the discharge port of the housing. Means are provided for releasably attaching the baffle member to the housing so that the baffle can be attached when it is desired for the mower to act as a vacuum cleaner and removed when the mower is to function in the normal manner.