Screw-type Auger Patents (Class 37/257)
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Patent number: 11441281Abstract: A snow removal machine has: a storage unit that stores a vehicle speed coefficient map indicating the relationship between an incline angle and a vehicle speed coefficient for decreasing an instructed vehicle speed; a vehicle speed coefficient setting unit that sets the vehicle speed coefficient on the basis of a detected incline angle and the vehicle speed coefficient map; and a vehicle speed setting unit that sets the vehicle speed of a traveling unit by way of multiplying the instructed vehicle speed by the set vehicle speed coefficient. The vehicle speed coefficient map sets the vehicle speed coefficient so same is smaller for larger incline angles when at least the traveling unit is going forward on an upslope. A travel control unit controls a drive source so that the traveling unit travels at the set vehicle speed set by the vehicle speed setting unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2017Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Jun Fukano, Toshiaki Kawakami, Tsutomu Mizoroke, Atsushi Moroi
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Publication number: 20150033591Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventors: Atsushi Yamada, Fumiyoshi Kanbara, Masahiro Akiyama
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Publication number: 20140202047Abstract: A snow removal machine including a travel unit frame having travel units, and an auger housing liftable, lowerable and rollable relative to the travel unit frame. The machine also includes: a frame inclination angle detection section for detecting an inclination angle of the travel frame relative to a ground surface; a housing inclination angle detection section for detecting an inclination angle of the auger housing relative to the travel unit frame; and an overall inclination angle evaluation section for evaluating an overall inclination angle of the auger housing relative to the ground surface on the basis of the inclination angles detected by the two detection sections. The two detection sections are provided on a part of the machine which does not make rolling motion together with the auger housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2014Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Toshiaki Kawakami, Tsutomu Mizoroke, Jun Fukano
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Publication number: 20140196323Abstract: A snow removal device may include an auger assembly, a mobility assembly, a housing and a blowback prevention assembly. The auger assembly may include a rotatable auger that imparts momentum to draw material engaged by the auger toward an ejection path. The auger may extend substantially transversely with respect to a front portion of the snow removal device. The mobility assembly may be configured to enable the snow removal device to move with respect to a surface. The housing may be disposed proximate to a portion of the auger assembly to direct at least some of the material toward the ejection path responsive to rotation of the auger. The blowback prevention assembly may be disposed to inhibit blowback of material between the housing and the surface. The blowback prevention assembly may include a scraper bar and a trailing shield.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2011Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: HUSQVARNA CONSUMER OUTDOOR PRODUCTS N.A., INC.Inventors: Shawn Bullington, Mark Holloway
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Publication number: 20140075792Abstract: A snow blower including an adjustable back that allows to blow snow in a forward direction or backwards. The adjustable back is actuated by a cylinder or a hydraulic motor that makes rotate the back in a forward or backward direction of a bidirectional auger rotating clockwise for clearing snow collecting in its opening until snow is intercepted by the bidirectional auger and directed on an arrangement of impellers arranged on the bidirectional auger propelling snow toward the rotating ejection pallets until snow is directed toward a discharge chute. And when the snow level is high a movable cover secured to the structure of the snow blower is lifted by a cylinder to let snow fall on the bidirectional auger and to be directed on the arrangement of the impellers propelling snow toward the rotating ejection pallets until snow is directed toward the discharge chute.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2012Publication date: March 20, 2014Inventor: Michel Girouard
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Publication number: 20110314707Abstract: A skid for use on a snow blower, where the snow blower includes an auger housing through which snow removed from an area is channeled. The skid includes a body that is secured to a vertical side wall of the auger housing. The body includes a sliding surface which assists the auger housing in sliding over snow-covered regions of the area being cleared; and a rolling surface which assists the auger housing to travel over snow-free regions of the area. A slot is provided in the sliding surface of the skid and a portion of the rolling surface projects for a distance below the sliding surface. An adapter plate may be positioned between the body and the side wall of the auger housing. The adapter plate enables the body to be secured to different makes of auger housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2011Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: RAFTERY DESIGN, INC.Inventor: William Barret Raftery
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Patent number: 8065823Abstract: A snow blower has an auger housing that pivots relative to an axle supporting ground engaging members of the snow blower or about an axis substantially perpendicular to a direction of travel of the snow blower.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2009Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventor: Thomas D. Morrell
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Patent number: 8065824Abstract: Snow removing machine includes an auger for removing accumulated snow, an accumulated snow height detection section for detecting a height of accumulated snow in front of the auger, an auger lifting and lowering section for lifting and lowering the auger, and a control section for controlling the auger lifting and lowering section to lift the auger in response to detection, by the accumulated snow height detection section, of the accumulated snow. By the provision of the accumulated snow height detection section, the present invention can save a human operator a trouble of setting in advance a target height position of the auger and thereby alleviate a load on the human operator.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2010Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nobuo Yamazaki, Atsushi Moroi, Toshiaki Kawakami
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Patent number: 7997016Abstract: A self-propelled snow remover has a machine body, a snow-removing implement mounted to a front part of the machine body for undergoing rolling and vertical movement relative to the machine body, and an operating unit mounted to a rear part of the machine body. An alignment operating member is mounted to the operating unit for rolling and vertically moving the snow-removing implement. The alignment operating member is disposed on one of opposite sides of a widthwise central line of the machine body. A return operating member is mounted to the operating unit for automatically returning the snow-removing implement to a predetermined reference position. The return operating member is disposed proximate to the alignment operating member at a position closer to the widthwise central line of the machine body than the alignment operating member and further towards the rear part of the machine body than the alignment operating member.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2006Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nobuo Yamazaki, Kenji Kuroiwa, Kiyomi Yanai, Yoshitaka Ohta, Toshiaki Kawakami, Seishu Sakai, Norikazu Shimizu, Masaki Takahashi, Nobuyuki Hirose, Tsutomu Wakitani
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Patent number: 7971695Abstract: Drive assemblies and related methods are provided particularly suited for a snowblower. The drive assemblies include a transmission wheel disposed about a shaft and rotatably movable for rotating at least one wheel. The transmission wheel has a contact surface. The drive assemblies also include a drive pulley having a drive surface. The drive pulley is rotatable and configured for causing the transmission wheel to rotate when the drive surface and the contact surface of the transmission wheel are in contact. At least one brake clutch is disposed about an end of the shaft to provide independent control to the at least one wheel.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2007Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Christopher W. Vaughn, Jeffrey A. Wians, Christopher M. Osborne
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Publication number: 20110146112Abstract: A snow blower has an auger housing that pivots relative to an axle supporting ground engaging members of the snow blower or about an axis substantially perpendicular to a direction of travel of the snow blower.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventor: Thomas D. Morrell
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Publication number: 20100319223Abstract: An auger brake clutch and drive assembly and related methods for a power equipment device such as a snowblower are provided. In use with a snowblower, the auger brake clutch assembly and related methods can be used for driving both the auger and driven wheels of a snowblower. The auger brake clutch can include a transmission wheel rotatably movable for rotating at least one wheel with the transmission wheel having a contact surface. A drive pulley can be provided that has a drive surface. The drive pulley is rotatable and configured for causing the transmission wheel to rotate when the drive surface and the contact surface of the transmission wheel are in contact. An actuation plate is movable to move the drive pulley in and out of contact with the contact surface of the transmission wheel. A friction member can be provided to be selectively rotated by the drive pulley and configured to transfer the rotation to an output shaft, which can attach for example to at least one of an auger or blower blades.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2009Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventors: Jeffrey A. Wians, Kevin D. King, Christopher W. Vaughn
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Publication number: 20100281718Abstract: Snowblowers and related methods are disclosed wherein a snowblower can include a snowblower housing, an auger connected to the housing, at least one wheel attached to the housing, and a machine control component. The machine control component can be movable to selectively control the movement of the wheels relative to the housing between a first position and a second position. In particular, the machine control component can be movable to a disengaged position, in which the at least one wheel is positioned in the first position and the auger is raised above a ground surface. The machine control component can further be moved to an engaged position, in which the at least one wheel is positioned in the second position and the auger is operatively engaged with the ground surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2009Publication date: November 11, 2010Inventors: Jason R. Van Buren, Jorgen K. Meister, Kevin D. King
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Publication number: 20100192422Abstract: Snow removing machine includes an auger for removing accumulated snow, an accumulated snow height detection section for detecting a height of accumulated snow in front of the auger, an auger lifting and lowering section for lifting and lowering the auger, and a control section for controlling the auger lifting and lowering section to lift the auger in response to detection, by the accumulated snow height detection section, of the accumulated snow. By the provision of the accumulated snow height detection section, the present invention can save a human operator a trouble of setting in advance a target height position of the auger and thereby alleviate a load on the human operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2010Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Nobuo Yamazaki, Atsushi Moroi, Toshiaki Kawakami
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Patent number: 7730642Abstract: An engine of a snow blower is arranged with a crankshaft along a front to rear direction of the snow blower, and an output shaft, with an outer circumferential portion on which a drive pulley is fixed, is provided in a front end portion of the crankshaft. Further, an intermediate shaft with a rear end circumference on which a driven pulley is fixed and with a front end circumference, on which an impeller drive pulley is fixed, is arranged to extend toward a front direction higher than the output shaft. An impeller drive shaft with a rear end circumference on which an impeller driven pulley is fixed is arranged to extend toward the front direction more downward than the intermediate shaft. A first transmission belt is meshed with the drive pulley and the driven pulley, and a second transmission belt is meshed with the impeller drive pulley and the impeller driven pulley. Using this arrangement, it is possible to provide a snow blower with a low center of gravity.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2008Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Yamaha Motor Power Products Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Keisuke Sugiura
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Publication number: 20090249658Abstract: A snow removal device includes a power source or is connectable to a power source for powering a drive motor that is connected to a snow removal mechanism. The overall size and construction is designed to be lightweight and portable. In this way, considering the smaller size of the snow removal mechanism and its maneuverability, it is suitable to assist in removing snow from around the tires of a vehicle that is stuck in the snow, as one example of a suitable use.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2009Publication date: October 8, 2009Inventor: Richard D. Embry
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Publication number: 20090205226Abstract: A snow blower has an adaptive speed control, optionally an open carrier differential, which is optionally selectively lockable. The auger is preferably chain driven. The engine output shaft optionally has a first fixedly secured pulley and a second clutched pulley. The discharge chute can be guided in rotation by an idler wheel. The chute can be rotatably actuated by a cable assembly controlled by a rotatable handle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2009Publication date: August 20, 2009Applicant: Wisconsin Engineering, CZ s.r.o.Inventors: Jaroslav J. Olmr, Richard M. Olmr
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Publication number: 20080263906Abstract: A snow thrower including a housing with a chute thereon has a power source therein. An auger is provided on the front of the housing. A transmission is placed in the housing for transmission the power of the power source to the auger. A handle fixes on the outside of said housing for holding. A chamber is provided in the housing for containing snow-melting agent. There is an exit on the bottom side of said chamber. A controller mounts on said handle for controlling said cover and the size of said exit. An axle pivots at the rear portion of said housing and crosses through said chamber. Each end of said axle has a wheel thereon. A stirrer mounts on said axle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2007Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: Jiangsu Golden Harbour Enterprise Ltd.Inventor: Shu WANG
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Patent number: 7159343Abstract: A working machine has a transmission case having a transmission mechanism accommodated therein. The transmission mechanism has an input shaft having a first longitudinal axis and an output shaft having a second longitudinal axis extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. A working unit is mounted to a front portion or a side portion of the transmission case and is connected to the output shaft of the transmission mechanism. A working is drive source is connected to the input shaft of the transmission mechanism for driving the working unit via the transmission mechanism for driving the working unit via the transmission mechanism. The working drive source is mounted to an upper surface portion of the transmission case. A traveling unit has at least one driving axle mounted to a side portion of the transmission case. An electric motor is mounted to a side portion of the transmission case for driving the traveling unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2004Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jitsumi Hanafusa, Tsuyoshi Yoshigasaki
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Patent number: 6922921Abstract: An auger device of a snow removal machine in this invention has left and right augers and left and right driving tines mounted on left and right auger shafts, respectively. Each auger has an outer auger blade, an intermediate auger blade and an inner auger blade each mounted at one end on the left or right auger shaft. The outer auger blade and inner auger blade are arranged along a first helical path. The intermediate auger blade is arranged 180° out of phase with the first helical path. The left and right driving tines bite into snow, thereby serving as anchors for preventing lifting of the left and right augers.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2004Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seishu Sakai, Nobuo Yamazaki, Tosao Satake
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Patent number: 6705028Abstract: A self-propelled snowplow vehicle includes a vehicle frame equipped with an auger at a front end portion thereof and pivotally connected to a propelling frame equipped with driving wheels, and a frame lift mechanism for lifting the front end portion of the vehicle frame up and down relative to the propelling frame. The frame lift mechanism comprises an electro-hydraulic cylinder actuator having a piston rod and an electric motor rotatably driven to produce a fluid pressure for reciprocating the piston rod in response to operation of a manual operating switch. The snowplow vehicle also includes a control unit arranged to forcibly stop the electric motor when a predetermined time has elapsed after the operation switch is activated, the predetermined time being equal to an operating time of the cylinder actuator which is required to extend or contract the piston rod over a maximum stroke defined between a fully extended position and a fully contracted position of the piston rod.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Jitsumi Hanafusa, Kenji Kuroiwa, Tsutomu Wakitani, Tsutomu Inui, Takahiro Yamamoto
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Patent number: 6688022Abstract: A walk behind self-propelled crawler snowplow includes a snowplow mechanism driven by an engine via a belt drive power transmission mechanism, and an overload protection device associated with the belt drive power transmission mechanism for protecting the engine against overload. The overload protection device comprises a tension sensor for detecting the tension in an endless belt and generating an electric overload signal to disengage an electromagnetic clutch in the belt drive power transmission mechanism when a belt tension greater than a predetermined value is detected.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2002Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Jitsumi Hanafusa, Masanori Takeishi, Kenji Kuroiwa
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Patent number: 6662477Abstract: A control platform for directing the operation of a snowblower is provided. The platform includes a bail which is pivotably moveable within the platform. Attached to and moveable with the bail are levers for controlling the engagement or disengagement of the drives that power the snowblower's wheels and auger. Also attached with the bail are controls which permit the operator to change the speed and/or direction of the snowblower as well as the orientation of the discharge chute. Through their attachment to the bail and proximity relative to one another, an operator can use each of the levers and controls simultaneously. Accordingly, the platform permits an operator to engage or disengage the drives which power the snowblower's wheels and auger while, simultaneously, enabling a change in speed or direction as well as the direction towards which snow is directed during the removal process.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2003Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: James Thomas Dowe, Rodney Allen Fritz, Robert James Loehr
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Publication number: 20030159317Abstract: A control platform for directing the operation of a snowblower is provided. The platform includes a bail which is pivotably moveable within the platform. Attached to and moveable with the bail are levers for controlling the engagement or disengagement of the drives that power the snowblower's wheels and auger. Also attached with the bail are controls which permit the operator to change the speed and/or direction of the snowblower as well as the orientation of the discharge chute. Through their attachment to the bail and proximity relative to one another, an operator can use each of the levers and controls simultaneously. Accordingly, the platform permits an operator to engage or disengage the drives which power the snowblower's wheels and auger while, simultaneously, enabling a change in speed or direction as well as the direction towards which snow is directed during the removal process.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2003Publication date: August 28, 2003Inventors: James Thomas Dowe, Rodney Allen Fritz, Robert James Loehr
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Patent number: 6578292Abstract: A control platform for directing the operation of a snowblower is provided. The platform includes a bail which is pivotably moveable within the platform. Attached to and moveable with the bail are levers for controlling the engagement or disengagement of the drives that power the snowblower's wheels and auger. Also attached with the bail are controls which permit the operator to change the speed and/or direction of the snowblower as well as the orientation of the discharge chute. Through their attachment to the bail and proximity relative to one another, an operator can use each of the levers and controls simultaneously. Accordingly, the platform permits an operator to engage or disengage the drives which power the snowblower's wheels and auger while, simultaneously, enabling a change in speed or direction as well as the direction towards which snow is directed during the removal process.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2001Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: James Thomas Dowe, Rodney Allen Fritz, Robert James Loehr
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Patent number: 6556143Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for indicating a broken shear pin on a snow blower head cutter drum in a rotary snow blower. At least one shear pin connects the snow blower head cutter drum to a drive shaft on the snow blower. The indicator system utilizes a proximity sensor which is mounted on the drive box of the vehicle and focused on at least one target on the snow blower head cutter drum. As the snow blower head cutter drum rotates, the proximity sensor detects the passage of the target and resets a timer. When the shear pin breaks, the cutter drum stops rotating. Because the proximity sensor does not detect the target, the timer is not reset. When the elapsed time equals or exceeds a predetermined amount, an electrical impulse is transmitted, activating the broken shear pin indicator.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: S&S TrustInventor: Greg Noah
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Patent number: 6550161Abstract: A walk behind self-propelled crawler has a travel ready lever mounted to one of the left and right handlebars and adapted to be gripped by a human operator to place the electric motors in an operative condition, and a clutch control pushbutton switch disposed on the control board at a position close to the other handlebar, the clutch control pushbutton switch being adapted to be manually operated to actuate the electromagnetic clutch.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2002Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Jitsumi Hanafusa, Kenji Kuroiwa
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Publication number: 20030005603Abstract: A walk behind self-propelled crawler snowplow includes a snowplow mechanism driven by an engine via a belt drive power transmission mechanism, and an overload protection device associated with the belt drive power transmission mechanism for protecting the engine against overload. The overload protection device comprises a tension sensor for detecting the tension in an endless belt and generating an electric overload signal to disengage an electromagnetic clutch in the belt drive power transmission mechanism when a belt tension greater than a predetermined value is detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2002Publication date: January 9, 2003Applicant: HONDA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Jitsumi Hanafusa, Masanori Takeishi, Kenji Kuroiwa
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Publication number: 20020174572Abstract: A self-propelled power implement having a friction drive system to transmit rotation from the engine to the wheels. The friction drive system includes an output disc and a friction disc. The output disc rotates in response to rotation from the engine's output shaft. The friction disc is coupled to the implement's wheels, and contacts the output disc and rotates in response to rotation of the output disc. The location on the output disc that the friction disc contacts determines the rotation speed of the friction disc. A flexible member is interconnected to the friction disc and a controller, and movement of the controller causes the flexible member to actuate the friction disc radially in relation to the output disc. The flexible member adjusts the location on the output disc that the friction disc contacts, and thereby adjusts the rotation speed of the friction disc and the wheels.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2001Publication date: November 28, 2002Inventors: Perry Prochnow, John Adrian, Scott Deschler
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Patent number: 6470603Abstract: A walk behind self-propelled crawler snowplow includes a snowplow mechanism driven by an engine via a belt drive power transmission mechanism, and an overload protection device associated with the belt drive power transmission mechanism for protecting the engine against overload. The overload protection device comprises a tension sensor for detecting the tension in an endless belt and generating an electric overload signal to disengage an electromagnetic clutch in the belt drive power transmission mechanism when a belt tension greater than a predetermined value is detected.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2001Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Honda Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Jitsumi Hanafusa, Masanori Takeishi, Kenji Kuroiwa
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Publication number: 20020108274Abstract: A control platform for directing the operation of a snowblower is provided. The platform includes a bail which is pivotably moveable within the platform. Attached to and moveable with the bail are levers for controlling the engagement or disengagement of the drives that power the snowblower's wheels and auger. Also attached with the bail are controls which permit the operator to change the speed and/or direction of the snowblower as well as the orientation of the discharge chute. Through their attachment to the bail and proximity relative to one another, an operator can use each of the levers and controls simultaneously. Accordingly, the platform permits an operator to engage or disengage the drives which power the snowblower's wheels and auger while, simultaneously, enabling a change in speed or direction as well as the direction towards which snow is directed during the removal process.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventors: James Thomas Dowe, Rodney Allen Fritz, Robert James Loehr
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Patent number: 6363630Abstract: A snow thrower is provided a pair of wheels on each side. The snow thrower includes two laterally spaced wheel drive assemblies for independently supplying power from the engine to each pair of wheels. Each wheel drive assembly includes a drive sprocket, which receives input from the engine, and front and rear driveable sprockets, which are operably associated with front and rear wheel axles to drive one pair of wheels. Each wheel assembly may be operated independently to provide power steering control.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2000Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: MTD Products INCInventor: Craig Ziegler
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Publication number: 20020014132Abstract: An overload protecting device assembled in an auger transmission is disclosed as including a worm wheel having its side wall formed with a plurality of wheel-side protruding segments, a boss member engaging with the wheel and fixedly coupled to an auger shaft for non-rotating relationship, and a slide washer having a plurality of wheel-side projections facing the wheel-side protruding segments. When the auger shaft encounters a torque exceeding a given value, the worm wheel and the boss member are enabled to rotate relative to one another. As the wheel-side projections ride on the protruding segments, the slide washer is moved in a direction opposed to the worm wheel. A washer detection switch detects such a movement to produce a detection signal to forcibly stop the operation of an engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2001Publication date: February 7, 2002Inventors: Hiroshi Sueshige, Kenji Kuroiwa, Tomoaki Ishikawa
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Patent number: 6327799Abstract: In a snow-removing machine, an expandable and contractible regulating mechanism is coupled between a steering handlebar of a machine body including a snow-removing section and a drive section capable of being turned relative to the machine body about a wheel driving shaft, and is capable of regulating the level of the snow-removing section relative to the drive section. The expandable and contractible regulating mechanism is comprised of a cylinder connected to the machine body, a piston which divides the inside of the cylinder into a first chamber and a second chamber, a piston rod coupled to the piston and connected to the drive section, a communication passage permitting communication between the first and second chambers, and an on-off valve for opening and closing the communication passage. A high-pressure gas is filled in the first and second chambers, so that the expansion and compression of the high-pressure gas is permitted upon closing of the on-off valve.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2000Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Jitsumi Hanafusa, Tomoki Ito, Seishu Sakai, Takahiro Yamamoto, Masayuki Yamamoto
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Patent number: 6318003Abstract: A snow thrower of compact proportions is obtained by a single piece housing which supports an engine having a vertical output shaft extending within the housing. The housing also supports a horizontally disposed auger drive shaft. A belt drive connects the engine drive shaft and the auger drive shaft via a pair of idler pulleys, one disposed at an inclined angle and the other being mounted on an idler arm pivotally mounted within the housing. The belt and idler arm pass through an opening in the housing to achieve the belt drive connection. A control member is provided to move the idler arm to tension the belt for driving the auger drive shaft or to relax the belt to interrupt the belt drive connection. In the latter condition, the belt is braked while retaining light contact between the engine and auger drive pulleys.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Murray, Inc.Inventor: Richard A. Heismann
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Publication number: 20010025441Abstract: A walk behind self-propelled crawler snowplow includes a snowplow mechanism driven by an engine via a belt drive power transmission mechanism, and an overload protection device associated with the belt drive power transmission mechanism for protecting the engine against overload. The overload protection device comprises a tension sensor for detecting the tension in an endless belt and generating an electric overload signal to disengage an electromagnetic clutch in the belt drive power transmission mechanism when a belt tension greater than a predetermined value is detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2001Publication date: October 4, 2001Inventors: Jitsumi Hanafusa, Masanori Takeishi, Kenji Kuroiwa
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Patent number: 6154985Abstract: A device is disclosed, for use with a snow blower being of the type having an auger, and allow it to operate while moving backwards. The device principally consists of a concave blade mounted on a snow blower, which pivots between an operative position where the blade extends close to ground and the concave surface of the blade extends in front of the auger in such a way that the blade scrapes the snow and directs it towards the auger when the snow blower is lifted up to let the snow pass under it and moves backwards, and an inoperative position where the blade is raised to a height sufficient to let the snow reach the auger when the snow blower moves forwards. A snow blower equipped with a device as defined above, for operating while moving backwards, is also disclosed as well as a method for blowing snow with a snow blower equipped with that device.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1998Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: Les Machineries Pronovost Inc.Inventors: Christian Champagne, Rejean Pronovost
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Patent number: 5893224Abstract: A snow blower is provided with cutting devices which are housed within, but project beyond, a housing provided for the blower's auger. As the cutting devices engage snow during the blower's advance, the cutting devices move in a direction which tends to urge the forward portion of the blower downwardly.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1997Date of Patent: April 13, 1999Assignee: Murray, Inc.Inventors: Charles W. Harrington, Richard A. Heismann
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Patent number: 5784756Abstract: A debris cleaning device is equipped with a compound auger which has a rigid inner auger portion with auger fighting and a plurality of compliant combing attachments connected to the edge of the fighting. Instead of the compound auger, a helical rotary brush with a dense inner region of shorter stiffer bristles and a less populous outer region of longer bristles may be used. The cleaning device also has a suction mechanism with a nozzle located about at the midway point of the length of the auger (or rotary brush). The auger (or rotary brush) is positioned horizontally with its rotational axis co-linear with, or parallel to, an axle of supporting wheels so that the auger (or rotary brush) follows the contour of the surface being cleaned as do the wheels, thereby preventing the auger (or rotary brush) from digging into uneven terrain.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1996Date of Patent: July 28, 1998Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Alexander H. Slocum, Martin L. Culpepper
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Patent number: 5735064Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1997Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Inventor: Trygve A. Holl
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Patent number: 5398432Abstract: An endless spiralling screw for a snowblower comprising a rotatable elongated shaft, to be power driven; a first, elongated, rigid sheet, integrally mounted to the shaft at a radially inward edge of the sheet and spiralling along the lengthwise axis of the shaft, the main portion of the sheet having a substantially straight section, the external marginal portion of the sheet being folded relative to the main portion thereof, the plane of the main portion being located downstream relative to the direction of rotation of the endless screw; reinforcing struts being anchored to the spiral sheet and having a smaller external diameter than the spiral sheet, and being fixedly connected thereto short of but proximate to the radially outward edge of the spiral sheet and fixedly secured to the shaft at its radially inward edge at an area spaced from the securing area of the radially inward edge of the spiral sheet to the shaft; and counterweights, located inside the hollow of the spiral and integral to a portion of theType: GrantFiled: May 14, 1993Date of Patent: March 21, 1995Assignee: Vohl (1992) Inc.Inventor: Jean-Rene Vohl
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Patent number: 5123186Abstract: A snowblower arrangement having a scraper mechanism affixed to the ends of the auger for scraping snow and precluding its accumulation on the sidewalls of the auger housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1990Date of Patent: June 23, 1992Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yorio Matushita, Yoshihisa Satou
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Patent number: 5020250Abstract: A powered snowplow includes a snowplow body housing which houses at least a power source, a self-propelling mechanism supporting the snowplow body and drivable by the power source for propelling the snowplow, an auger mechanism mounted on a front portion of the snowplow body, the auger mechanism having a snow collecting auger, and a control mechanism mounted on a rear portion of the snowplow body. The control mechanism includes a first control lever operable for transmitting power from the power source to the self-propelling mechanism, a second control lever operable for transmitting power from the power source to the auger mechanism, an auger height adjusting handle disposed near the second control lever, for adjusting a height of the auger, and an interlink plate for keeping the second control lever operated in coaction with the first control lever when the first control lever is operated.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1990Date of Patent: June 4, 1991Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kiyoshi Fujii, Haruo Kitamura, Shigeru Takahashi, Norio Shimizu
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Patent number: 4805323Abstract: A snow removal device for a vehicle comprises an elongated casing provided adjacent to and extending along a lower edge section of a window glass and having a snow guide channel therethrough, a snow intake port facing the lower edge section and a pair of snow discharge ports each formed at either end of the snow guide channel. The snow guide channel receives snow entering the snow intake port and guides the snow toward to sides of the vehicle. A transfer device positioned in the snow guide channel moves the snow therein toward the snow discharge ports; and a drive device drives the transfer device, whereby the snow which is wiped from the lower edge section of the window glass by a wiper is removed through the pair of snow discharge ports.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1987Date of Patent: February 21, 1989Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshio Motohashi
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Patent number: 4783915Abstract: A self-propelling snow removing machine includes a body frame extending rearwardly and upwardly with a steering handle attached to an upper end thereof, a snow removing mechanism operatively mounted on a front portion of the body frame, a running mechanism operatively mounted on a lower portion of the body frame, an engine mounted on the body frame and having an output shaft extending forwardly of the body frame, and a power transmitting mechansim supported on the body frame and operatively coupled to the engine, the power transmitting mechanism including a transmission for connecting the engine output shaft to the running mechanism and for connecting the engine output shaft to the snow removing mechanism. The engine has a cylinder with its axis inclined laterally of the body frame, the power transmitting mechanism is mounted on the body frame forwardly of the engine, and further includes a gear mechanism for coupling the engine output shaft to the transmission and a clutch.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1987Date of Patent: November 15, 1988Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ichiro Sasaki, Takeo Ogano, Tomoichiro Takasaki, Toru Fukuda
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Patent number: 4651452Abstract: A snow remover to be used in connection with a truck or other suitable vehicle. The apparatus comprises a snow container which moves on the ground scooping up snow like a snow shovel and is provided with at least one spiral conveyor and a discharge pipe. The snow gathered in the snow container by the spiral conveyor is let out through the discharge pipe, which pipe is provided with a choker. The spiral conveyor (3) is installed within the snow container (1) in a vertical position so that only its bottom part (31) is attached to the snow container. The spiral conveyor (3) has a conical form and is fitted within a conical sheath (5). The top part of the sheath thus forms the choker (52), which is connected to the bottom part (41) of the discharge pipe. The discharge pipe (4) has a cross-sectional area larger than that of the choker (52). The discharge pipe (4) is curved, and its radius of curvature (R) is constant. The discharge pipe (4) is formed of two parts, i.e.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1985Date of Patent: March 24, 1987Assignee: Kuuslahden Konepaja OyInventor: Voitto L. S. Husso
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Patent number: 4514917Abstract: A self-propelled working vehicle including an engine, a working implement and a running mechanism driven both by the engine, and a friction disc type main transmission for transmitting the driving power of the engine to the running mechanism. The working vehicle has a sub-transmission interposed between the engine and the main transmission.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 1984Date of Patent: May 7, 1985Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takeo Ogano, Hiroshi Sueshige, Sakichi Hatakeyama
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Patent number: 4457086Abstract: A snowblower is disclosed having an engine, a friction disc rotatably driven by the engine, the friction disc including a friction surface and being rotatable about a first axis, a driven disc rotatable about an axis transverse to said first axis, the driven disc including a peripheral edge engageable with the friction surface, and being drivingly connected to the snowblower wheels for driving the wheels when the driven disc is driven by the friction disc. The snowblower also includes controls for controlling driving connection of the engine and an auger and for controlling driving connection of the engine and the wheels, the controls causing engagement of the auger drive before engagement of the traction drive and disengagement of the traction drive before disengagement of the auger drive.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1980Date of Patent: July 3, 1984Assignee: Gilson Brothers CompanyInventor: Roger J. Bacon