Abstract: A vehicular auger implement. The implement is configured to be operated by a single operator and comprises an auger having a bit. The implement includes a four bar linkage comprising a first bar, a second bar, a third bar, and a fourth bar. The first bar is coupled to each of the second bar and a hydraulically actuated arm. The auger is operably coupled to the fourth bar. The four bar linkage is configured to convert a rotational motion of the second bar to a vertical motion of the auger. A vehicle to which the auger implement is coupled is configured to remain stationary while a hole is bored using the vertical motion of the auger.

Abstract: An array of retractable shields is employed for closing an exposed opening through which the snow enters into a receiver. A piston-like object, which is empowered by a compressed spring and is moving at high speed, makes an impact on the snow with great force. The snow is finally ejected from a chute. The receiver can be lifted higher to clear the snow at a different height from the ground. Alternatively, a snow lifting unit is used to ferry the snow higher for free fall into the receiver for further processing. Belt and chain driven devices employing a plurality of collector elements are employed. An impact force produced by a rapid flow of compressed air also forces the snow out from a confined enclosure.

Abstract: A snowthrower that, in one embodiment, includes a chute rotation control mechanism that permits manual rotation of a directional chute about a chute axis via one-handed input. The mechanism may have a chute rotation lever having a proximal end attached to the directional chute, the lever extending radially from the chute axis to terminate at a distal end, wherein a handle is provided at or near the distal end, the handle having a handle axis parallel to the chute axis.

Abstract: A chute rotation mechanism for a snow thrower having a frame and a chute rotatably mounted to the frame includes a ring gear configured to be mounted to the chute, a drive gear engaging the ring gear, and a handle assembly configured to pivot relative to the frame. The chute rotation mechanism also includes a first cable extending between the drive gear and the handle assembly. The handle assembly is pivotable in a first direction to tension the first cable and rotate the drive gear, thereby rotating the ring gear in a corresponding first direction. The chute rotation mechanism further includes a second cable extending between the drive gear and the handle assembly. The handle assembly is pivotable in a second direction to tension the second cable and rotate the drive gear, thereby rotating the ring gear in a corresponding second direction.

Abstract: A height adjustable auger shroud for a snow blower is provided. The shroud comprises a pair of wheels secured to a lower portion of the opposing sides of the shroud. The wheels are secured to the shroud by a pair of levers. Each lever comprises a first and second plate. The first plate is positioned against the shroud, and includes an upper arcuate perimeter having a series of notches along the upper perimeter line. The second plate is rotatably connected to the first plate, and includes a lever arm on one vertical half of the plate, and a wheel attachment on the opposing half of the plate. Actuation of the lever arm in relation to the first plate raises or lowers the wheel in relation to the shroud, thereby altering the distance between the shroud and the ground surface.

Abstract: Snowblower adjustable deflector control devices, systems, and methods can include a control cable connected at one end to a movable deflector of a discharge chute of a snowblower, a control lever pivotably connected to a machine handle of the snowblower, and a lever guide connected to the machine handle. The control lever can have a first end comprising a grip portion, a second end connected to the control cable, and at least one protrusion extending from the control lever, and the lever guide can be configured to selectively retain the at least one protrusion in any of one or more angular positions corresponding to one or more deflector positions.

Abstract: A remote chute rotation assembly may include a chute, a cable system and a control head. The chute may direct ejected material based on an orientation of the chute. The control head may be operatively coupled to the chute via the cable system. The control head may enable remote adjustment of the orientation of the chute via the cable system. The orientation of the chute may be adjustable through a plurality of positions fixable by a positioning assembly disposed at the chute.

Abstract: A snow plow-blower operates as a snow plow, snow blower, or as a snow plow-blower combination. The device includes a plow head blade optionally having retractable/pivotal scoop wings and a cavity with an aperture with blower doors and a blower unit. The snow blower unit includes an auger and impeller to move snow into the unit and force it out of a discharge chute. Blower doors are provided over the snow blower unit cavity to prevent snow from entering into the cavity when the blower is off. Optionally, the blower doors move along a track and rest flush against the plow head to open and close off access to the cavity. Alternatively, the blower doors are hingedly mounted to pivot to open and closed positions. The blower doors may be constructed to operate as blower blades to direct snow into the blower unit; alternatively, separate blower blades are provided to optimize snow removal and mitigate jamming/clogging.

Abstract: Snowblower deflector control devices, systems, and methods are provided. In one aspect, a snowblower deflector control device can be externally disposed from a machine handle of the snowblower. The control device can include a control member and a guide plate. The control member can include a longitudinal shaft and a projection disposed along the shaft. The guide plate can be adapted to receive a portion of the control member. The guide plate can include a plurality of gates disposed at spaced intervals from a first end to a second end, and the projection of the control member can be lockable within at least one gate of the plurality of gates.

Abstract: Snowblower chute control devices, systems, and methods are provided and can include a positioning rod having a first end pivotably connected to a machine handle and a second end connected to a snowblower chute such that rotation of the positioning rod about a longitudinal axis causes rotation of the snowblower chute. A control lever can be connected to the positioning rod such that the control lever is substantially fixed with respect to the positioning rod for rotation about the longitudinal axis but is pivotable with respect to the positioning rod about a pivot axis that intersects the longitudinal axis. The snowblower chute position control device can further include a positioning guide configured to retain the control lever at one or more selected angular positions with respect to the longitudinal axis corresponding to one or more desired rotational positions of the snowblower chute.

Abstract: Provided is a discharge pipe for a snow blower, which is mounted on the snow blower, and is capable of easily removing snow covered on an inner wall of a conveyance duct in the process of discharging snow introduced from the snow blower to the outside.

Abstract: A self propelled snow remover machine with a computer control panel a camera, a funnel design snow brush. The computer control panel controls the snow remover machine through a downloaded application with cloud technology and is access through many different electronic devices.

Abstract: A snow thrower comprising a frame, a handle coupled to the frame, a chute coupled to the frame and rotatable between a plurality of positions about a chute axis, and a chute control assembly. The chute control assembly comprises an actuator assembly including an actuator movable between a plurality of positions, a rotatable flexible cable having first and second ends, and a gear assembly comprising at least one gear. The first end is coupled to the actuator assembly in a manner that causes the cable to rotate when the actuator is moved between the plurality of positions. The gear is coupled to the second end in a manner that causes the gear to rotate when the cable rotates. The chute is coupled to the gear in a manner that causes the chute to rotate about the chute axis when the gear rotates.

Abstract: A snow thrower impeller includes a layer of material comprising a blade support wall and blades extending from the blade support wall.

Abstract: A shooter for a snow remover has a shooter main body configured to be rotatably mounted on an auger housing of a snow remover for ejecting snow collected by an auger of the snow remover. A shooter guide is swingably mounted on a top end of the shooter main body to undergo swinging movement from an initial state thereof so as to allow adjustment of an angle of projection of the snow ejected from the shooter main body. A torsion spring has a single coil and is connected between the shooter main body and the shooter guide for urging the shooter guide to return to the initial state thereof. Vibration-reducing members are inserted into the single coil of the torsion spring so as to be in physical contact with one another and to surround and support an entire inner periphery of the single coil for reducing vibration and deformation in a radial direction of the torsion spring.

Abstract: An accessory for a blower having a first end with a connector assembly for connecting the accessory to the blower, a second end for directing air under pressure from the blower, a lower blade portion extending at least partly between the first end and the second end for facilitating a pneumatic shoveling operation, and an upper funnel portion extending at least partly between the first end and the second end for facilitating a pneumatic sweeping operation. The accessory can be selectively connected to the blower via the connector assembly so that the air under pressure from the blower cooperates with the lower blade portion and the upper funnel portion to perform a combined pneumatic shoveling/sweeping operation.

Abstract: Snowblower chute controls and related methods are provided particularly suited for a snowblower. The snowblower chute controls can include a handle pivotably attached to a housing. The housing can have an interior wall with a linear or arcuate gear track. The handle can have a first end operably configured to a spool wheel by a pin. Also, a gear can be operably configured to the handle by the pin such that the gear engages the linear or arcuate gear track. First and second spool cables can have first and second ends, the first ends attached to the spool wheel and the second ends attached to a snowblower chute. The handle can be pivoted to cause the gear to move along the gear track and the spool wheel to rotate and spool the first and second spool cables, thereby rotating the snowblower chute.

Abstract: A chute control assembly and related methods for mounting a motor to a snowblower are disclosed, wherein the motor is capable of being operated to rotate the chute of the snowblower. The motor and a chute bottom holding bracket can be preassembled so that the assembly can then be slipped over the chute gear for final assembly. The motor can receive electrical impulses from the movement of a standard control handle mounted on the snowblower. The electrical impulses can cause the motor to rotate a worm gear or pinion in either direction depending on the movement of the handle. The worm gear or pinion can rotate a gear chute in an appropriate direction, thereby rotating the chute of the snowblower.

Abstract: A snowthrower has a rotatable chute that directs the snow stream in different directions depending on the rotational position of the chute. A slidable hand grip is mounted on one of the handle tubes of the snowthrower. The hand grip can be slid down the handle tube by the operator to rotate the chute in a first direction. The hand grip can be slid up the handle tube by the operator to rotate the chute in a second opposite direction. The hand grip includes a rounded knob that the operator can grip with one hand. A latch is provided to lock the hand grip in an adjusted position on the handle tube.

Abstract: A shooter for a snow remover has a shooter main body and a shooter guide swingably mounted on the top end of the shooter main body by a hinge. The hinge has an interlocking member for preventing a pin member from falling out from the hinge. The interlocking member is formed from a wire material so as to have elasticity and has pressure parts for applying pressure to both ends of the pin member to retain the pin member in the hinge.

Abstract: Snowblower chute controls and related methods are provided particularly suited for a snowblower. The snowblower chute controls can include a handle pivotably attached to a housing. The housing can have an interior wall with a linear or arcuate gear track. The handle can have a first end operably configured to a spool wheel by a pin. Also, a gear can be operably configured to the handle by the pin such that the gear engages the linear or arcuate gear track. First and second spool cables can have first and second ends, the first ends attached to the spool wheel and the second ends attached to a snowblower chute. The handle can be pivoted to cause the gear to move along the gear track and the spool wheel to rotate and spool the first and second spool cables, thereby rotating the snowblower chute.

Abstract: A U-shaped handle is physically attached to the back of a deflector atop a snow directing chute on a snowthrower. The deflector pivots atop the chute to adjust the trajectory of a stream of snow being thrown by the snowthrower. The handle is gripped and moved up and down to effect a pivotal adjustment of the deflector. A pivotal latch is carried on the handle which latch protrudes into the open interior hand grip space of the handle. The latch is spring biased so that a detent on the latch engages with a toothed rack with the interengagement between the detent and the rack holding the deflector in an adjusted position. When the operator grips the handle and squeezes the fingers of the gripping hand closed, the latch is pivoted to remove the detent from the rack and thereby permit pivotal adjustment of the deflector.

Abstract: A chute rotation system. The chute rotation system includes a chute, a handle assembly, and a drive assembly. The handle assembly includes a handle rotatable about a first axis and a second axis, and a bracket configured to inhibit movement of the handle about the first axis. The drive assembly is coupled to the handle assembly and includes a chute drive, a transverse gear, and a friction brake. The brake is configured to prevent movement of the chute, as a result of friction, when the friction brake is engaged with the chute drive.

Abstract: A U-shaped handle is physically attached to the back of a deflector atop a snow directing chute on a snowthrower. The deflector pivots atop the chute to adjust the trajectory of a stream of snow being thrown by the snowthrower. The handle is gripped and moved up and down to effect a pivotal adjustment of the deflector. A pivotal latch is carried on the handle which latch protrudes into the open interior hand grip space of the handle. The latch is spring biased so that a detent on the latch engages with a toothed rack with the interengagement between the detent and the rack holding the deflector in an adjusted position. When the operator grips the handle and squeezes the fingers of the gripping hand closed, the latch is pivoted to remove the detent from the rack and thereby permit pivotal adjustment of the deflector.

Abstract: A snowthrower has a rotatable chute that directs the snow stream in different directions depending on the rotational position of the chute. A slidable hand grip is mounted on one of the handle tubes of the snowthrower. The hand grip can be slid down the handle tube by the operator to rotate the chute in a first direction. The hand grip can be slid up the handle tube by the operator to rotate the chute in a second opposite direction. The hand grip includes a rounded knob that the operator can grip with one hand. A latch is provided to lock the hand grip in an adjusted position on the handle tube.

Abstract: A unique piece of engineering device “BT' Smart Machine” (BTSM) is described with the capability of lawn mowing, leave blowing/vacuuming, snow blowing, and general purpose blowing/vacuuming with other extra functionalities such as vehicle jump starter, heavy duty air compressor, vertical trolley, horizontal trolley, and outlets for AC and DC devices. BTSM' uniqueness lies in the fact that it can be run in manual (semi-automatic mode) or automatic mode (hands free mode). In manual mode (semi-automatic mode) BTSM anticipates and helps you along the way while in full-automatic mode BTSM does the work for you while you are home away from home or simply use that time to do something else and with a minimum of 10 to 12 hr uninhibited rechargeable battery life, BTSM has more than enough power to traverse your entire compound. In addition to all that, BTSM also runs off of solar energy which further maximizes battery life.

Abstract: A snow thrower having discharge chute locking and rotating mechanisms, both of which are actuated by a chute handle in the operator zone of the snow thrower. The chute locking mechanism disengages from the chute in response to initial movement of the chute handle in first or second directions, and the rotating mechanism rotates the discharge chute in response to continued movement of the chute handle in the same direction beyond the initial movement.

Abstract: A snow thrower having a discharge chute rotation and locking device. The snow thrower includes a discharge chute rotatable about a chute axis with respect to the snow thrower housing to discharge in a selected direction snow under the influence of the auger. The snow thrower also includes a rod having a longitudinal axis non-parallel to the chute axis, the rod being rotatable about the longitudinal axis and movable axially along the longitudinal axis. The snow thrower further includes a first crank member fixed for rotation with the rod and engaging a portion of the chute to cause the chute to rotate in response to rotation of the rod. A locking member is movable into and out of engagement with the portion of the chute in response to axial movement of the rod. The chute is prevented from rotating under the influence of rotation of the rod when the locking member is moved into engagement with the portion of the chute.

Abstract: A snow removing machine has an auger for plowing and collecting snow, a rotatable blower for throwing snow collected by the auger, and a shooter for guiding the snow thrown by the blower so that the snow reaches a selected point. The blower has a central shaft part and blades extending radially outwardly from the shaft part. Each of the blades has one pair of laterally spaced guide walls projecting from a distal end portion thereof in a direction of rotation of the blower. The pair of guide walls for each of the blades extend divergently from each other towards a distal end of the blade.

Abstract: A single joystick type control handle controls the chute and deflector of a snowthrower. The control handle can be moved laterally from side to side and a second linkage including a gear connection laterally rotates the chute from side to side in the same direction, i.e. movement of the control handle to the left rotates the chute to the left and vise versa. The gear connection has a mechanical advantage that increases the amount of the angular rotation of the chute, i.e. the chute rotates further than the angular movement of the control handle. The control handle can also be moved longitudinally from fore to aft and a second linkage comprising a flexible cable pivots the deflector up and down on the chute in the same direction, i.e. moving the control handle forward pivots the deflector down and vise versa. A locking mechanism is provided to hold the chute and the deflector in their adjusted positions.

Abstract: A snow removing machine which throws up snow collected by an auger with a blower and throws out the snow via a chute is provided. The chute is provided on a blower housing enclosing the blower. The chute is placed on the right or left of the blower housing in a body width direction, so as to receive snow thrown up by centrifugal force of the blower. In a dead space on the opposite side to the chute, a control unit for controlling rotations of electric motors and so on and a battery for supplying power to the electric motors are disposed.

Abstract: A snow blower attachment for a skid steer loader has a tall discharge chute used for loading high vehicles such as trucks. The discharge chute is folded in the center, and has a strut to support it in its working position. The strut is releasable for folding the chute, and has a saddle that rests on the snow blower housing so that the folded upper chute section is supported adequately during storage.

Abstract: A shroud for digging machines is provided with a generally elongated panel of flexible material. A pair of brackets secures the opposite end portions of the panel to the frame of a digging machine, adjacent its ground engaging features. The flexible panel is positioned to receive ejected ground material and safely project it laterally from the ground engaging features to prevent the injury of individuals near the digging machine and prevent the ground material from refilling the newly formed opening in the ground. A biasing system is provided at the opposite end portions of the panel to prevent the panel from coming into contact with the ground engaging features of the digging machine.

Abstract: A single joystick type control handle controls the chute and deflector of a snowthrower. The control handle can be moved laterally from side to side and a second linkage including a gear connection laterally rotates the chute from side to side in the same direction, i.e. movement of the control handle to the left rotates the chute to the left and vise versa. The gear connection has a mechanical advantage that increases the amount of the angular rotation of the chute, i.e. the chute rotates further than the angular movement of the control handle. The control handle can also be moved longitudinally from fore to aft and a second linkage comprising a flexible cable pivots the deflector up and down on the chute in the same direction, i.e. moving the control handle forward pivots the deflector down and vise versa. A locking mechanism is provided to hold the chute and the deflector in their adjusted positions.

Abstract: A shield configuration for a snowthrowing discharge chute, which may be pivoted out of the way for clean-out purposes while reducing the opportunity for the user to extend a body part or other object into the chute while the engine is running. The apparatus makes a clean-out rod readily available to the user just after the shield has been opened.

Abstract: A chute structure for a snow removing machine includes first and second chutes connected through a hinge to each other. The hinge includes first and second hinge plates connected together by means of a connecting pin. The first hinge plate has a tubular portion through which the connecting pin extends. The length of the tubular portion is substantially equal to the width of the first chute. The second hinge plate has first and second plates. The first plate has an opening formed therein. The opening of the first plate is aligned with an entrance of the tubular portion. The second plate has an opening formed therein. The opening of the second plate is aligned with an exit of the tubular portion. The second hinge plate has a cover portion extending between the first plate and the second plate. The cover portion is integral with the first and second plates. The cover portion covers the tubular portion. Provision of the cover portion prevents snow from being discharged from around the hinge.

Abstract: A snow thrower engine cover is provided with spaced interior walls to define a first space for receiving air used to cool the engine, a second space for retaining air heated by the engine's exhaust and a third space between the walls for restricting heat transfer from the second space to the interior wall which defines the first space.

Abstract: A chute structure for a snow removing machine includes first and second chutes connected through a hinge to each other. The hinge includes first and second hinge plates connected together by means of a connecting pin. The first hinge plate has a tubular portion through which the connecting pin extends. The length of the tubular portion is substantially equal to the width of the first chute. The second hinge plate has first and second plates. The first plate has an opening formed therein. The opening of the first plate is aligned with an entrance of the tubular portion. The second plate has an opening formed therein. The opening of the second plate is aligned with an exit of the tubular portion. The second hinge plate has a cover portion extending between the first plate and the second plate. The cover portion is integral with the first and second plates. The cover portion covers the tubular portion. Provision of the cover portion prevents snow from being discharged from around the hinge.

Abstract: An improved single stage snowthrower includes a housing with an open front portion, the housing including two side walls, a rear wall therebetween and a discharge chute. The rear wall includes deflecting ledges that angle upwardly toward the discharge chute, inwardly toward the center of the housing and forwardly toward the open front. The deflecting ledges provide both an inward and an upward component to snow travelling in the housing. The snowthrower also includes an impeller having axial ends and a radial edge. The impeller is comprised of two molded identical body sections that are joined about a shaft. Each body section includes a central portion, two end portions and a pair of helical portions with one helical portion between each end portion and the central portion. A portion of the radial edge of the impeller includes a shovel-like projection that is oriented in a direction extending laterally away from the impeller in the direction of rotation of the impeller.

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

Abstract: A portable, hand-held snow thrower comprising a power unit and an attachment removably securable to the power unit. The attachment includes an impeller having a first pulley and a flexible drive shaft. A first end of the drive shaft is connected to the power unit, and a second end of the drive shaft is drivably connected to a second pulley lying substantially in a plane with the first pulley. A lower portion of the drive shaft is curved and extends through an impeller housing. The second pulley is operably connected to the first pulley to provide a gear ratio therebetween resulting in a desired rotational speed of the impeller.

Abstract: A snowblower attachment for a pickup truck comprising, in combination: a rearward support couplable with respect to the front end of a pickup truck, the rearward support including a central horizontal post, removably attachable to the front end of a pickup truck and extending forwardly thereof, a pair of vertically extending posts spaced parallel with each other secured at a central extent to the forward end of the horizontal post; a forward support including a base plate having a rearward end with a hinge pin coupling the rearward end of the forward support with the forward end of the rearward support, the forward support having a downwardly curved forward end providing a curved cross-sectional configuration, parallel side plates at the external sides of the forward end and an upper curved end forming, in association with the lower curved portion and side panels, a housing, the forward support also having a chimney extending in a vertical orientation with an upper free end formed with a curved end and a pivo

Abstract: An electrically powered snow blower discharge chute adjustment mechanism generally comprised of a meshingly engaging gearing arrangement wherein one of the gears is operably connected to a conventional electric motor (the drive gear), and the other gear is fixedly, circumferentially attached to the discharge chute. A three position toggle switch positioned at the operator's station of the snow blower is electrically connected to the motor for permitting the operator selective control of the direction of rotation of the discharge chute through power generated by the motor. Further, two notches are removed from opposite ends of the gear attached to the chute. The notches provide space in which the drive gear may rotatably idle when it is not meshingly engaged with the other gear. In addition, a spring loaded plunger is respectively positioned adjacent each cutout.

Abstract: The snow discharge spout pipe from a snowblower is conventionally extended by spout extensions commanded by control rod linkages. The present ball and socket joints are used to interconnect each pair of successive link arms to one another, and some link arms to the snowblower casing. These joints are of the universal joint type, including a ball rotatable into a spherical socket. Each end of a link arm has such a joint. Each socket is composed of two ring members in mutual contact at their flat inner radial faces. These faces are precisely machined to obtain the desired clearance between the spherical surfaces of the ball and ring members. Each ball includes an axial bore, rotatably receiving a shoulder bolt. The bolt and ball have lubricating passages opening at the relatively movable bearing surfaces of the bolt, ball and ring members.

Abstract: A discharge chute assembly (30) includes a chute (32) and a pivotal deflector (34), the overlapping end portions of which define a partial spherical or bail joint (40) which maintains a tight seal against backflow and leakage over the entire range of rotation and deflection of the assembly. The assembly (30) is preferably secured to a rotatable base (54) by means of lower pivots (70) and a releasable fastener (72) for collapsibility.

Abstract: A discharge chute assembly (30) includes a chute (32) and a pivotal deflector (34), the overlapping end portions of which define a partial spherical or ball joint (40) which maintains a tight seal against backflow and leakage over the entire range of rotation and deflection of the assembly. The assembly (30) is preferably secured to a rotatable base (54) by means of lower pivots (70) and a releasable fastener (72) for collapsibility.

Abstract: An apparatus for safely dislodging accumulated snow and ice from the discharge chute of a rotary snow thrower, which includes a rigid plate adapted to be inserted in and removed from the discharge chute. The rigid plate is movably connected to an element of the snow thrower and is operatively connected to a handle. Rotation of the handle by the operator will selectively move the rigid plate within the discharge chute. The rigid plate will apply an axial force to the accumulated snow and ice, thereby dislodging the snow and ice without the plate coming into contact with the impeller.

Abstract: A rotor tiller having a counter-rotating twin shaft system and counter-rotating digging means such as tines, paddles, or blades for efficient tilling of soil. In another embodiment, the tines on the twin shafts can be replaced by counter-rotating helical auger blades for removal of loose soil or snow. Furthermore, digging bits of suitable kind and size can be affixed to the helical auger blades for simultaneous digging/tilling and removing of soil, snow. This new design eliminates many problems associated with conventional tillers and increases the utility of the subject tiller.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a removable chute assembly (33) for a snowthrower (10). Chute (33) is connected to housing (12) of snowthrower (10) by using a plurality of locking assemblies (52) and a detent assembly (50). Each locking assembly (52) includes a pivoting member (56) which can engage a flange (38) of chute assembly (33) to hold chute assembly (33) in locked engagement with housing (12). Each pivoting member (56) is held in locked position by a detent member (70) which can be manipulated by an ignition key (13) of snowthrower (10), and each pivoting member (56) can be pivoted away from flange (38) to allow for the chute assembly (33) to be removed from housing (12). Preferably, key (13) engages a switch (15) such that key (13) can only be removed from switch (15) when the snowthrower is turned off. Therefore, chute assembly (33) can only be removed when the snowthrower is not operating.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a single stage snowthrower wherein a flat rear wall section of an impeller housing, a rear wall of a chute opening and the central axis of an external chute are all aligned to more efficiently remove snow. A gate is also provided to control the recirculation of snow through the impeller housing. The gate may comprise a sliding dam movable along a straight line into the housing. In a further embodiment of the present invention a pivotable gate or reciprocable plate is disposed between sidewalls of the impeller housing to vary the throat area into the chute opening in accordance with the wet or dry conditions of the snow.