Abstract: A dynamic drive and brake system is provided. To accelerate the mower in a forward direction, the operator depresses the acceleration pedal, overcoming the biasing force of the acceleration spring. This causes the double idler pulley system to pivot from an inoperative or de-clutched condition to an operative condition. The farther the accelerator pedal is depressed, the more the double idler pulley system pivots and, correspondingly, the more tension is applied to the first belt. The increased tension in the first belt causes the middle pulley member to move in a downward direction and therefore decreases the diameter of the first belt about the double pulley shaft. The movement of the middle pulley member simultaneously increases the diameter of the second belt about the double pulley shaft. This increases the tension in the second belt which tension is absorbed by the idler spring that permits the idler pulley to pivot in a clockwise direction as seen in FIGS. 2-3.

Abstract: In an electromotively driven garden appliance, for example a lawnmower or a lawn-aerator, the on-off switch is usually arranged on the handle-bar such that it can easily be accessed for operation. This on-off switch is connected via a cable to the motor circuit, the cable being guided along one branch of the handle-bar. According to the invention, in order to avoid damage to the cable and resultant unreliable contact-making when the handle-bar is folded down, the cable is replaced by a wireless connection, in particular by infrared radiation, radio or ultrasound. For this purpose, a transmitter is assigned to the electrical on-off switch and a receiver on the chassis is assigned to the motor circuit.

Abstract: A control system for a riding turf mower. The control system incorporates an interlock system capable of controlling the cutting operation of the mower when traveling in a reverse direction.

Abstract: A combination tow and pressure relief valve for use in a hydraulic fluid circuit used in a hydraulically driven wide area lawn mower. The valve includes a cylindrical valve body having a hexagonal head. A slideable valve tip with a shank and a valve head has its shank slidably mounted within the valve body. The valve tip is biased by a spring to move in a direction away from the hex head. In operation, the valve is inserted into a suitable chamber placed in series with a bypass passage. The valve tends to block the bypass passage under steady state conditions. When a surge in hydraulic pressure occurs, as would occur in response to operator input or at startup, the hydraulic fluid overcomes the bias of the spring and urges the valve tip away from the otherwise blocked orifice which links the bypass passage to the chamber. Opening the orifice tends to diminish the magnitude of the pressure peak and helps eliminate jerky starts of the mower.

Abstract: Provided is an electric drive riding greens mower. The mower includes a frame which is supported for movement upon a plurality of ground engaging wheels and upon which are supported a motor generator set and a plurality of reel lawn mowers. An electric motor provides driving torque to enable movement of the mower between and over golf course greens or other surfaces to be mowed, electric motors provide driving torque for each of the reel lawn mowers. The motor generator set provides electrical energy for driving the electric motors, including the primary mover and the electrical motors for the reel type lawn mowers. The motor generator set includes an internal combustion motor which provides the mechanical energy to an electric generator which provides electrical energy in response to the received mechanical energy. Further, a mower is provided which includes fly-by-wire electric steering through an electric mower.

Abstract: A handle for an outdoor power equipment unit, such as a lawn mower, includes a control system for allowing the user to manually vary the ground speed of the mower provided by a self propel system. The control system includes a handle grip on the handle that slides up and down relative to a lower portion of the handle. As the handle grip slides down, the ground speed increases. As the handle grip slides up, the ground speed decreases. A grab member can be used to allow the operator to have leverage in pushing the handle grip down.

Abstract: A dual action bail and lever lawn mower control assembly is provided for operating the ground drive of a self-propelled walk-behind lawn mower. The control assembly includes a housing, a shift lever having an extended handle and a substantially circular body which is coupled to a control cable. A bail socket is pivotally received in the housing and is coupled to the bail. A blocking pawl is provided within the housing for engagement with the circular body of the shift lever and the bail socket. The bail socket includes a retainer which is provided with a lug and is spring loaded so that when the bail is pulled back, the spring imparts a rotational force to the retainer. When the lever is shifted to position a recess therein opposite the pawl, the retainer pivots the pawl to enter the recess and hold the lever in the engaged position until the bail is released and a return spring associated with the ground drive pulls on the cable, with the shift lever being then free to return to its original position.

Abstract: A control system is used with an associated mower having a cutting blade, a drive shaft for rotating the cutting blade, first and second drive wheels, and a power train for driving the first and second drive wheels. The control system has an electric clutch for selectively coupling the cutting blade to the drive shaft, first and second handles for independently driving the first and second drive wheels, first and second switches selectively switchable between first and second positions, a relay for electrically connecting the first and second switches to the electric clutch and control rods for mechanically connecting the first and second handles to the first and second switches. First and second handles are placeable into reverse positions. This causing first and second bell cranks to rotate about a control shaft which lifts first and second control rods. When the control rods are lifted, first and second switches are switched and power is disconnected to the electric clutch.

Abstract: A zero-turning radius self-propelled power lawn mower includes a standing platform structure for supporting a standing operator during mower operation. The mower has a combination parking brake and pump lockout structure which, when actuated, simultaneously applies a braking force to rear drive wheels and prevents hydro pumps from being moved from their neutral positions. The mower also includes a biasing system for automatically returning hand control levers to their neutral positions when they are not being manipulated by an operator. Unique cutter deck structure, caster structure, grass catcher structure, and steering control levers are also provided.

Abstract: An agricultural machine, especially a combine harvester and thresher, which consists of component devices (1-N) with associated microprocessors (M1-MN), of which at least one is a control station processor (M1) with a control keypad (TA) and a screen (V), which microprocessors are connected to measurement, actuation members of the respective component devices (1-N) and regarding this, process data that appears in the component device (1-N) in a controlling or regulating manner, or in a manner which displays it, wherein these microprocessors (M1-MN) are connected syndetically to a standard communications bus (B) via conventional interface circuits (SS) and via these circuits, continuously transmit operating data with an identifier, which is specific to the operating data, wherein in the individual microprocessors (M1-MN), the identifiers of these kinds of operating data, which are to be received, are stored in a table as a one in a bit configuration and are accessed with the identifier at the bit positions of

Abstract: A control system for controlling an associated device includes a vacuum actuator, connecting means for operatively connecting the vacuum actuator to the associated device, vacuum means for providing a vacuum to the vacuum actuator, and activating means for selectively electrically activating the vacuum actuator. To engage an associated PTO shaft, an operator switches an electric switch opening a control valve and activating a vacuum actuator. Next a clutch arm is pivoted causing a brake arm to take a PTO pulley out of braking engagement and forcing an idler pulley into operative engagement with a PTO belt. This connects the PTO pulley with a drive pulley thereby rotating the PTO shaft. When the PTO is to be disengaged, the brake arm is effective to stop the motion of the implement driven by the PTO, and to stop the implement within a very short time.

Abstract: The invention is a self-propelled drivewheel steering power mower which can be operated in a standing or sitting position, including a pair of variable flow hydrostatic pumps with tiltable swash plates, each of which drives one of a pair of drivewheels. A vertically mounted steering shaft is rotatably supported on the mower for rotation about an axis concentric with said shaft; and a T-shaped steering handle bar is rotatably journaled to the end of said steering shaft for twisting about an axis concentric with said handle bar.

Abstract: A battery driven electric lawn mower includes a DC motor, and mowing blade on an output shaft of the motor. A control unit is connected between the motor and the battery for increasing and decreasing the electric current supplied to the motor in accordance with an increase and decrease in load, to thereby maintain the number of revolutions per second of the motor substantially constant at or near a minimum value permitting a mowing blade to function normally under a heavy load. The control unit comprises an electric current detecting device for detecting a load current flowing in the motor, and a pulse generating device for outputting a pulse signal having a pulse width corresponding to an electric current value detected by the electric current detecting device. A pulse-responsive switch device for adjusting the electric current supplied to the motor in response to a pulse signal output from the pulse generating device. The pulse responsive switch device is connected in series with the motor.

Abstract: A combination tow and pressure relief valve for use in a hydraulic fluid circuit used in a hydraulically driven wide area lawn mower. The valve includes a cylindrical valve body having a hexagonal head. A slideable valve tip with a shank and a valve head has its shank slidably mounted within the valve body. The valve tip is biased by a spring to move in a direction away from the hex head. In operation, the valve is inserted into a suitable chamber placed in series with a bypass passage. The valve tends to block the bypass passage under steady state conditions. When a surge in hydraulic pressure occurs, as would occur in response to operator input or at startup, the hydraulic fluid overcomes the bias of the spring and urges the valve tip away from the otherwise blocked orifice which links the bypass passage to the chamber. Opening the orifice tends to diminish the magnitude of the pressure peak and helps eliminate jerky starts of the mower.

Abstract: A riding lawn mower having a low center of gravity comprising a frame having a pair of drive wheels rotatably mounted at the rearward end thereof and having a caster wheel supported mower deck at the forward end thereof. A plurality of cutting blades are disposed within the mower deck. An engine support deck is positioned rearwardly of the operator's station on the mower and is disposed in a plane closely adjacent the rotational axis of the rear drive wheels. A vertically disposed rotatable shaft is mounted in the rearward end of the mower deck and has its upper end disposed above the top wall of the mower deck. An upper pulley is mounted on the rotatable shaft above the top wall of the mower deck and is connected to the spindles of the cutting blades by a first belt. A lower pulley is mounted on the rotatable shaft below the upper pulley and is substantially disposed in the same plane as the top wall of the mower deck.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for quickly adjusting a dual hydraulically powered, wheel-steered lawn mower to achieve straight line travel when steered to the straight ahead position. Right and left hydraulic pump controls interconnect the speed control of the mower to right and left hydraulic pumps which are fluidly connected to right and left hydraulic motors which drive right and left drive wheels on the mower. The left hydraulic pump control is length adjustable and is maintained in a set position by a pair of jam nuts. The right hydraulic pump control also includes a length adjustable rod, but the same is length adjustable through the use of an adjustment knob which may be quickly adjusted while the mower is moving. The output of the right hydraulic pump may be adjusted by means of the right hydraulic pump control so that the output of the right hydraulic pump may be varied with respect to the left hydraulic pump so that the mower will move ahead in a straight line manner.

Abstract: A mower deck height control is provided for a riding lawn mower and which includes a control lever operatively connected to the mower deck of the mower by means of linkages and chains. The control lever is pivotally movably mounted between a pair of vertically disposed and horizontally spaced-apart plates having registering openings formed therein which are adapted to receive a pin extending therebetween to limit the downward movement of the control lever with respect to the plates so that the proper cutting height is achieved. The control lever may be also positioned in a transport position.

Abstract: A powered lawn mower having a frame, an engine mounted to the frame, a set of front wheels and rear wheels connected to the frame, a drive for transmitting rotational power from the engine to the rear wheels, and grass cutting blades associated with the frame, and powered by the engine. A platform is positioned behind the rear wheels, and is capable of supporting an operator while the lawn mower is operating. The platform and the other parts are connected to the frame in such a way and positioned so that the addition of the operator in a stand-up or riding position moves the center of gravity by no more than twenty-five percent of the wheelbase of the mower. The rear wheel set may be positioned up or down but is not swingable.

Abstract: A zero turning radius power lawn mower for operation by a standing occupant includes first and second independently driven and controlled rear drive wheels mounted on separate drive axles. A riding platform for supporting the standing occupant or operator is located between the first and second rear drive wheels. The rear drive wheels are independently driveable in both the forward and reverse directions at variable speeds so as to allow for substantially zero radius turning of the mower about a central turning point. The riding platform is positioned near this turning point or axis so that the standing occupant remains substantially unaffected by centrifugal force created during approximate zero radius turning of the mower thereby allowing the mower to take such turns at higher speeds. The low center of gravity created by the position of the riding platform for the standing operator also results in the mower having improved traction and being less likely to pop "wheelies" upon acceleration.

Abstract: A control system for selectively actuating a component on an outdoor power equipment unit, such as a blade on a lawn mower, uses two separate and distinct operator actions to prevent inadvertent actuation. The control system includes a pivotal bail that must be pivoted from a first component disengaged position to a second component engaged position in which the bail lies flat against the handle assembly of the outdoor power equipment unit. A slide is slidably mounted on a housing, carried on one of the legs of the bail, for movement towards and away from the pivot axis of the bail. The slide must be pushed down to engage the lower end of the slide with a notch in a pivotal cam to temporarily link the cam to the bail in order to actuate the component. When the bail is released to return to its initial position, camming surfaces on the lower end of the slide and the notch are effective to mechanically cam the slide back up to its disengaged position where the lower end of the slide has disengaged the notch.

Abstract: A cable control lever apparatus is provided for use in a walk-behind lawnmower. The lawnmower includes a mower deck, a handle bar connected to the deck for permitting walk-behind operation of the mower, and a pair of control cables supported for translational movement relative to the handle bar. The handle bar including a pair of laterally spaced side arms, and an end bar extending between the side arms and connecting them together. Each side arm includes a transverse hole aligned with the hole in the other arm for receiving a bail formed of a shape corresponding to the shape of the handle bar. The bail includes opposed out-turned ends sized for receipt in the holes in the handle bar to permit relative pivotal movement of the bail between a non-actuated position spaced from the end bar of the handle bar and an actuated position against the end bar. The bail is connected to one of the cables so that movement of the bail is transmitted to the cable.

Abstract: A single lever handle control mechanism constrained to pivot about two perpendicular axes to control forward, reverse, speed and steering of the mower. By this constraint to the movement of the lever handle, inadvertent movement of the lever handle is less likely to occur when the mower is bouncing over uneven terrain. Forward or backward movement of the lever handle is constrained about a single transverse axis. Right or left movement of the lever handle about the longitudinal axis effects steering of the mower. The longitudinal axis is constrained to move in a single plane perpendicular to the transverse axis. As an option a second lever handle, constrained as the first lever handle and linked to the first lever handle may be provided for control from a second location. With a lever handle on each side of the operator the mower can be fully controlled with either hand. The lever handle control is most advantageously applied to a zero turn radius riding lawn mower.

Abstract: The improved battery-powered lawnmower includes a safety key that is automatically removed when the removable battery is removed, while at the same time blocking the battery recharger receptacle. The lawnmower also includes a control circuit that shuts off the lawnmower upon the occurrence of one or more of several predetermined conditions, including low battery voltage, the encountering of heavy grass for a period of 3 seconds or more, and high motor current that may occur when the cutting blade is jammed. The cutting blade is designed to move through any debris accumulated between the blade ends and the housing sidewall without sacrificing the lift for needed cutting and mulching. The invention also includes a unique height adjustment assembly for adjusting the height of the chassis, a handle attachment that allows the handle to be positively tightened to the lawnmower chassis, and a telescoping groove for the battery's quick connect/disconnect terminals.

Abstract: A remotely controlled mower which can be easily converted to an edger, a trimmer and a blower with replaceable kits. The mower is battery powered with two drive motors (16A & B) having gear reducing means to provide rotational energy for propulsion and steering which enables the mower to turn with unlimited angles. Cutting devices for mowing, edging, trimming and blowing device are molded integrally with assemblies for easier attachment. The multiple holes on the assemblies provide a simple way to change cutting heights. Angle drives (54A & B) are used to convert the rotating directions for trimming, edging and mowing. The mower produces no air pollution with low operating noise. The combination of various functions in one remotely controllable mower not only makes lawn maintenance tasks easier but saves homeowners money to purchase and to service different equipments with less space required for storage.

Abstract: To control the speed of a lawn mower, the speed of the lawn mower is changed in a forward direction along a longitudinal plane, resulting in a tendency to turn because of different speed characteristics of the right and left wheel drives. The speed is corrected by lateral movement of a control lever to increase the speed of one wheel motor and decrease the speed of the other wheel motor. When turning, if the lawn mower is not aligned along the longitudinal axis after the turn, the deviation is indicated in the position of the control lever to the right or left. This can be corrected by momentarily applying a motor speed change to one of said right and left hydraulic motors while observing the control lever until the control lever is centered in the longitudinal plane, whereby the speed of the lawn mower will be aligned along the longitudinal plane.

Abstract: A convertible lawn mower of the zero turning radius type is disclosed for use in a riding mode and a walking mode. A control member attached to a control head is rotatable between a first position where the control head is proximate to a seat and a second position where the control head is disposed generally behind the lawn mower. Control levers attached to concentric rotatable upper tubes are rotationally coupled to concentric rotatable lower tubes by loop means, for control of variable speed reversible transmissions coupled to rear wheels.

Abstract: A dual action cable control apparatus (20) includes a mounting bracket (22), a first Bowden cable assembly (24), a second Bowden cable assembly (26), an elongated lever (28), and a rotatable spool (30) mounted upon one end of the lever. Spool (30) is coupled with cable assembly (24) for shifting the cable to actuate a lawn mower transmission linkage concomitant with rotation of the spool. Lever (28) is operably coupled with cable (26) for actuation of a lawn mower drive engagement control linkage concomitant with rocking of the lever. Detent assembly (34) is provided for retaining spool (30) at selected rotational positions representing lawn mower transmission settings.

Abstract: A lawn mower for use in a walking mode and a riding mode. Drive of an engine is transmitted in varied speeds to rear drive wheels through stepless transmissions. The transmissions are controllable a first shift member accessible to a driver walking behind the lawn mower, and a second shift member accessible to the driver seated on a driver's seat. Operation of one of the shift members is prohibited when the other shift member is operative. The first shift member is connected to the transmissions through a drive link, a driven link, and a pin removably inserted into bores formed in the two links. A prohibiting device is movable to a position to prevent the pin from extending into one of the bores.

Abstract: A lawn mower for use both as walking operator type and riding type, having a grass cutting unit, an engine located rearwardly thereof, a driver's seat located above the engine, a floor step located over the grass cutting unit to be movable between an open position and a closed position, and right and left rear wheels driven by the engine. The rear wheels have respective stepless transmissions operable independently of each other to transmit engine drive in different speeds to the rear wheels. These transmissions are operable by shift levers located on opposite sides of the driver's seat when the lawn mower is used as the riding type, and by control levers extending rearwardly of the driver's seat when the lawn mower is used as the walking operator type.

Abstract: A rotating rate control apparatus for adjusting rotation of an engine of a working vehicle between a minimum rate and a maximum rate. The control apparatus has a first, a second and a third rotating rate adjusting devices. The first rotating rate adjusting device adjusts a basic rotating rate of the engine between the minimum rate and maximum rate. The second rotating rate adjusting device is shiftable between an ON position and an OFF position. The second rotating rate adjusting device is operable, when in the ON position, to set the engine to a predetermined rotating rate between the minimum rate and the maximum rate inclusive. The third rotating rate adjusting device is operable, when the second rotating rate adjusting device is in the OFF position, to adjust the rotating rate of the engine between the basic rotating rate adjusted by the first rotating rate adjusting device and the maximum rate.

Abstract: A recharging system for a battery operated tool such as a lawn mower. A slidable cover is used which is movable between an open position and a closed position. The slidable cover alternately exposes a receptacle adapted to receive a removable fuse key and an electrical connector adapted to receive an electrical power cord. The receptacle and the electrical connector are longitudinally aligned with the cover so that for the cover to move to the open position and expose the electrical connector, the fuse key must be removed. The receptacle is electrically connected in series with an activation switch, the battery and the electric motor to form a motor circuit. When the fuse key is removed to expose the electrical connector, the motor circuit is broken which prevents the electric motor from being activated whether or not the activation switch is engaged.

Abstract: An agricultural combine such as used in the harvesting of crops includes oscillating or fixed forward tandem drive wheels which are coupled to the combine's support frame, or undercarriage, to provide a smooth ride over rough fields and a more uniform crop cutting height above the soil. The combine also includes a body typically housing a diesel engine, operator controls such as in an enclosed cab, a grain and residue separating system, a grain storage bin, and an auger of off-loading the harvested grain. The combine body, which also typically has an array of row crop heads disposed on a forward portion thereof, is disposed on and coupled to the support frame in a slidable manner permitting the body to move forward to distribute the weight primarily over the tandem drive wheels for improved traction for operating in muddy fields and to accommodate larger grain loads.

Abstract: A manual control for controlling the release of a latching mechanism of a piece of motion furniture including a housing to be mounted on the furniture, a lever to be pivotally mounted within the housing, a spring positioned between the lever and housing to urge the lever toward its inactive position, means on the lever to support the spring on the lever during mounting of the lever within the housing and allow release of one end of the spring to engage the housing, a cable sheath structure, an arcuate recess on the lever and having means to connect one end of the cable to the lever, means restricting entry of the cable into said arcuate recess to avoid undesired release of the cable therefrom, means on the housing for receiving one end of the cable sheath, the lever having a handle portion which is sufficiently large to limit the entry of more than the first joint of fingers into the housing below the lever handle, such handle portion having sufficient area on its outer surface to allow a logo to be embossed

Abstract: A walking operator type lawn mower having stepless transmissions allocated to right and left rear wheels for changing speed of engine drive and outputting the drive to the right and left rear wheels, respectively, whereby the right and left rear wheels may be driven at different speeds. Right and left control members operable by a speed control lever frictionally fixable to a selected position are interlocked to change speed arms through springs, respectively. The change speed arms are pivotable, following operation of the shift levers, for controlling change speed rates of the stepless transmissions. The change speed arms are also operable by a pair of right and left auxiliary levers to move toward a backward drive position regardless of speed setting position of the speed control lever. A constant speed straight cruising run is obtained by retaining the speed control lever in a selected position to operate the change speed arms of the right and left transmissions substantially the same amount.

Abstract: In reference to a grass cutting machine of the kind comprising a self-propelling device supported on four wheels rotatably mounted to rotate around a common axis and supporting a chassis carrying a power source and provided with rigid or adjustable rearwardly extending handle bars and rigid or adjustable forwardly extending means for a cutter device comprising a housing accomodating at least one cutter, a device consisting of a rigidly affixed, or adjustable seat housing with adjustable handlebars, which is to be positioned above the power source, parallel in line with the common axis, and attached directly to the steering linkage thereby allowing the operator greater maneuverability by providing operation from with-in the center of gravity without deterring from the original intended purpose of the machine itself.

Abstract: A PTC thermistor has its substrate entirely coated with an insulating glass material except for the area where a silver electrode is formed. Such a thermistor may be produced by coating a substrate with an insulating glass material, forming a silver layer on the coated substrate and fusing the silver layer with a part of the glass material so as to form an electrode adhering to the substrate. An underelectrode may be provided between the substrate and such an electrode. A resistor is formed by encasing such a PTC thermistor with a pair of spring terminals for supporting the thermistor therebetween.

Abstract: A lawn mower controllable by a walking operator and having two control levers each for controlling a brake and a propelling clutch. Each control lever is pivotable to a "run" position to engage the clutch and render the brake inoperative, a "neutral" position to disengage the clutch and render the brake inoperative, and a "stop" position to disengage the clutch and operate the brake. Each control lever is constantly urged to the "stop" position by a spring. The lawn mower further includes a locking lever for maintaining the control levers in the respective "neutral" positions and "stop" positions. The lawn mower is driven by an engine to engage in a grass cutting operation with the control levers maintained in the "run" positions by the urging springs. The operator may push the mower to engage in a grass cutting operation with the control levers maintained in the "neutral" positions by the locking lever.

Abstract: A mower which is to be coupled to a motor vehicle comprises a first cylinder acting directly or indirectly on a deformable structure, which is in direct connection with a second fluid cylinder whose length varies, from a certain value, proportionally to the pivoting of a mowing group around an axis of a joint which connects the mowing group to a support beam of a frame.

Abstract: A forage harvester having a feed mechanism for transporting crop material along a feed path to a rotating cutterhead is provided with a first detector for detecting metal objects in the crop material and a second detector for detecting hard objects. The feed mechanism includes a hollow feed roll rotatable about a fixed shaft and both detectors are supported by the fixed shaft inside the feed roll. The first detector is a metal detector mounted inside a housing supported by the fixed shaft. The second detector is a thin film microphone for sensing air-borne sound waves produced when hard objects impact the feed roll. The second detector may be mounted on the housing or, alternatively, mounted on a support member attached to the fixed shaft. In either arrangement, a vibration-absorbing pad is provided to isolate the microphone from mechanical vibrations occurring in its supporting structure.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical interlock and module system for an electrically powered device such as a cordless, electric lawn mower that includes a normally open interlock switch for controlling the enabling of the power circuit for the lawn mower. A key member is adapted for insertion into a specially configured opening in the mower housing to actuate and close the interlock switch. With the interlock switch closed, energization of the motor is controlled by a separate handle-mounted ON/OFF switch in a conventional manner. In addition, a modular assembly technique is disclosed which facilitates ease of manufacturing while assuring proper alignment between the various components of the interlock system.

Abstract: A thin film highly directional audible sound sensor is mounted within a rotatable feed roll of a forage harvester to detect the presence of stones and other hard foreign objects in a crop material being fed past the feed roll to a cutter mechanism. Air-borne sound waves produced by the impact of foreign objects on metal parts of the harvester are detected by the sensor which produces a signal for stopping the crop feed mechanism before the foreign objects reach the cutter mechanism. The sensor is mounted on a stationary support within the rotatable feed roll. Output signals from the sensor control a stop mechanism for the crop feed mechanism via conductors extending through a stationary support shaft for the feed roll, thereby avoiding the need to commutate output signals from the detector.

Abstract: In a forage harvester having an acoustic detector for sensing air-borne sounds produced by the impact of hard foreign objects on the crop feed mechanism of the harvester, a start-up control is provided for inhibiting the detector output during the intervals when the crop feed mechanism is stopped or being brought up to running speed. In forage harvesters having metal detectors for sensing the presence of metal in the crop material, the electromagnetic sensor in the metal detector inherently produces a noise output signal which is dependent on the speed of the crop feed mechanism, and this signal is used to control the inhibiting of the acoustic detector output.

Abstract: A control linkage for use on a tractor to control hydraulic implements associated therewith is disclosed wherein a control lever controlling the raising and lowering of the header forming a part of an implement mounted on a tractor is provided with a control device detachably connected thereto and engageable with a second control lever operably controlling the speed of a hydraulic motor powering the components of the implement attached to the tractor. The control device automatically moves the control lever for the speed of the hydraulic motor to a slow position whenever the header lift control lever is moved to effect a raising of the header relative to the ground. The speed control lever is spring-loaded toward the fast position so that a return of the header lift control lever to lower the header into an operating position will result in an automatic return of the speed control lever to a fast position.

Abstract: A tether switch is connected to both the operator presence system and the automatic lubrication distribution system on a harvester such as a cotton picker. A lubrication control switch on the instrument panel of the harvester is connected to the tether switch and to the lubrication control and is switchable to a first condition wherein depression of the tether switch activates driven components on the harvester and the lubrication system to cause lubrication to be pumped to the moving components. The tether switch may be moved between harvester cab and harvester unit locations so that, when the control switch is in the first condition, the operator can cause the units to be lubricated while he watches the driven components from a location remote from the cab.

Abstract: A lawn mower has a hydraulic motor mounted on each drive wheel and each motor is independently driven by a separate pump. Each pump includes a control lever for regulating fluid pressure and flow direction so that each wheel may be driven independently in the forward and reverse directions and at varying speeds. A speed control index is mounted on one side of the mower for releasably setting and maintaining the speed control levers in a plurality of equal forward speed positions so that the operator can preset the maximum forward speed. In addition, an individual speed control lever is mounted on each handgrip and each is independently coupled to one of the control levers for individually adjusting each wheel for speeds less than the preset maximum or for setting either wheel drive pump in neutral or reverse. A neutral control assembly returns the pump control levers to a neutral position when the control levers are moved into neutral.

Abstract: A lawn mower that is remotely controlled and self-propelled. The lawn mower is propelled by battery powered electric motors that drive a set of wheels that are fixed in relation to the frame. Steering is accomplished through a belt and pulley system generally aligned with the forwardly mounted steering wheels. A battery powered electric motor rotates a center pulley, that in turn rotates pulleys for positioning the steering wheels in relation to the frame. Direction and speed of the mower may be controlled with a two channel radio. Frustro-conical wheel projections may be provided to help cross uneven terrain. Cutting height adjusters for the wheels may also be provided.

Abstract: An operation device of a walker operated mower is disclosed. When a mowing lever is set to the "connection" side to start a mowing member and a little bit later, when a running operation lever is set to the "connection" side substantially simultaneously while keeping the lever position, a support member which is integral with the running operation lever pushes the back of an engagement member and a rocking tip of the engagement member strikes a projection provided to the mowing operation lever and prevents the return of the mowing operation lever while keeping contact with the projection. Accordingly, even if the mowing operation member is kept in the "connection" position, the moving operation lever retain the "connection" state. Therefore, the running operation lever can be kept in the "connection" position by one of the hands and the other portions can be operated freely by the other hand.

Abstract: A compact, versatile lawnmower control is provided which is especially useful for holding and releasing ground drive and blade clutch cables and which allow connection and removal of the cable end without dismantling the control, allows the optional inclusion of a releasable handle lock, and allow the use of a deadman handle to release two cables at differing release distances. The preferred control includes an operating handle having a tubular body rotatably mounted within a housing; a coupling element rotatably mounted coaxially with the handle body for coupling with a deadman handle; and a holding and releasing means intercoupling the element and the body for holding the handle in a second position when the element is in the operating position and for releasing the handle for shifting to a first position when the element shifts to a relaxed position.

Abstract: A machine for harvesting and drying a standing forage crop comprising in combination a mower, a plurality of heated rollers for receiving a flow of crop cuttings conveyed from the mower to squeeze substantial excess moisture and evaporate any remaining excess moisture above a predetermined reference moisture range so that the crop cuttings upon issuance from the heated rollers are ready for baling immediately. Moisture detecters positioned preferably before and after the heated rollers signal the moisture content of the crop cuttings to a controller. The controller can vary the temperature of the rollers or vary the residency time of the crop cuttings between the rollers or both. In the preferred embodiment the heated rollers are electrically powered induction rollers and a baler is used in combination with the machine.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical interlock and module system for an electrically powered device such as a cordless, electric lawn mower that includes a normally open interlock switch for controlling the enabling of the power circuit for the lawn mower. A key member is adapted for insertion into a specially configured opening in the mower housing to actuate and close the interlock switch. With the interlock switch closed, energization of the motor is controlled by a separate handle-mounted ON/OFF switch in a conventional manner. In addition, a modular assembly technique is disclosed which facilitates ease of manufacturing while assuring proper alignment between the various components of the interlock system.