Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The following steps are performed in the control method: determining a mode of operation from amongst a permanent mode and a transient mode, as a function of a set of variables comprising said estimated values; correcting the value of the speed of rotation of the outlet shaft in such a manner that: if the mode has been determined as being the permanent mode, then the moving average (L?) of the gear ratio (L) over a period (T) of a plurality of unit time intervals lies between a first threshold value (S1) that is negative and a second threshold value (S2) that is positive; and if the mode has been determined as being the transient mode, then said moving average (L?) of the gear ratio (L) lies outside the range of values defined by the first and second threshold value (S1, S2).

Abstract: A transmission with a continuously variable adjustable ratio comprising a first disk fixedly coupled to a first shaft, and a second disk coupled for a rotation about the axis of the first disk. A second shaft is supported for rotation about an axis essentially parallel to the face of the first disk wherein said axis is supported in a tilted position relative to the planar face of the first disk such that the distance between said axis and the first disk planar face increases from said disk center to said disk edge. An idler is coupled for rotation about and axial movement along each second shaft and is in frictional contact with the first disk face. A pinion is fixedly coupled to each second shaft and interconnects with the face of the second disk. Thus, idler axial movement along the second shaft varies both the relative rotational speeds between the first and second disks and the frictional contact pressure between the idler and the first disk face.

Abstract: A lawn mower is provided with a speed control mechanism which is controlled by a single cable. A return spring, floating power transfer shaft, and biasing assembly provide a speed control mechanism which is effective in design and operation.