By Brake And Disengageable Drive (e.g., Clutch) Patents (Class 56/11.3)
  • Patent number: 11864493
    Abstract: A handle for a hand-guided power tool has a shaft with a fastening end and a free end. The fastening end is provided to secure the handle on the power tool. The handle has an outer side that is designed to at least partially support a palm of a hand of a user. An inner side is positioned opposite the outer side at the handle. A thumb support surface is provided at the inner side. The thumb support surface, viewed in a side view of the handle perpendicular to the inner side, is positioned at an angle of at least 20° and at most 70° in relation to a longitudinal axis of the handle at every point of the thumb support surface. A power tool such as a trimmer has a handle bar provided with a handle with such a thumb support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Liv Bicheler, Roland Mandel, Simon Haug
  • Patent number: 11554759
    Abstract: A riding lawn care vehicle (10) may include a frame (60), a steering assembly (30), a brake assembly (110), and a mechanical brake linkage assembly (120). At least a first drive wheel (32) and a second drive wheel (32) of the riding lawn care vehicle (10) may be attachable to the frame (60). The steering assembly (30) may include a first steering lever (34) and a second steering lever (34), where the first and second steering levers (34) are operably coupled to the first and second drive wheels (32) respectively to facilitate turning of the riding lawn care vehicle (10) based on drive speed control of the first and second drive wheels (32) responsive to positioning of the first and second steering levers (34) along a first direction when the first and second steering levers are in an operating position. The brake assembly may be operably coupled to the first and second drive wheels (32) to enable brakes to be selectively applied to the first and second drive wheels (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: HUSQVARNA AB
    Inventors: Adam Schoonmaker, Christopher Van Buren
  • Patent number: 11178815
    Abstract: Provided is a mower system that includes an idler pulley, a deck drive pulley coupled to a drive shaft of a mower motor and an intermediate pulley coupled to the mower frame such that a position of the intermediate pulley is fixed relative to a position of the deck drive pulley and the intermediate pulley is positioned to be engaged by a portion of the deck drive belt spanning between the deck drive pulley and the idler pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Bad Boy Mowers, LLC
    Inventors: Zachary Crowl, Kenny Cox
  • Patent number: 10974597
    Abstract: A traveling vehicle includes a pair of left and right drive wheels, a drive unit for providing driving force to the drive wheels, a drive wheel operation unit having a forward speed position, a neutral position, a reverse speed position and a parking position, a position detector for detecting the parking position of the drive wheel operation unit, a parking brake configured to brake the drive wheels under an operative state thereof, a rotation detector for detecting a predetermined state from a stopped state to a predetermined rotational speed of the drive wheels and a control unit configured to render the parking brake into the operative state on a condition including detection of the parking position by the position detector and detection of the predetermined state by the rotation detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Manji
  • Patent number: 10746279
    Abstract: A transmission housing (2) including two housing elements (9) that can be positioned to press against each other and that in the assembled state define: a cavity (13); a shaft (6) projecting at least in part from the housing; a motion transmission mechanism (30) for transmitting motion to said shaft (6), the motion transmission mechanism (30) being housed at least in part inside the cavity (13) of the housing (2); and adhesive connection means (16) for connecting together housing elements (9) that are arranged in the zone where said housing elements (9) are pressed together and referred to as a join plane (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: FRANCE REDUCTEURS
    Inventor: Wouter Barendrecht
  • Patent number: 10681867
    Abstract: A zero turning radius mower park brake system includes an over-center pivot member that pivots to a park brake engaged position in response to moving a control arm fully outward, and to a park brake disengaged position in response to moving the control arm fully inward. The control arm is disconnected from the over-center pivot member in the park brake engaged and disengaged positions. An actuator on a lower end of the control arm may contact the over-center pivot member between the park brake engaged and disengaged positions. A biasing spring urges the over-center pivot member to the park brake engaged position and park brake disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert D. Dunbar, Jaimie Pelino, Frank M. Welz
  • Patent number: 10464537
    Abstract: A machine includes a prime mover having a power take-off, a chassis configured to support at least an operator and the prime mover, a subframe pivotally coupled to the chassis about a pivot axis at a first location, at least one drive device configured to drive wheels of the machine, a drive belt and pulley arrangement. The subframe is further coupled to the chassis via at least one suspension device at a second location. The at least one drive device is driven by the prime mover and is coupled to the subframe. The pulley arrangement is configured to direct the drive belt from the power take-off of the prime mover to at least one drive pulley on the at least one drive device. The pulley arrangement comprises an idler pulley having a diameter and a rotational axis. The idler pulley is coupled to the chassis such that the rotational axis is spaced from the pivot axis by no greater than 1.5 times the diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Eric R. Slegelis, Travis Rasch
  • Patent number: 10292332
    Abstract: A stepless speed regulating control mechanism for a mower includes a push handle, a self-propelled lever, a speed regulating cable and a regulating mechanism; the mower has a base and a self-propelled device; the regulating mechanism includes a regulating sleeve and a speed regulating sleeve; the self-propelled lever pulls the regulating sleeve and causes the speed regulating sleeve to move simultaneously with the regulating sleeve, so as to pull the speed regulating cable, and the speed regulating sleeve can move relative to the regulating sleeve, so as to pull the speed regulating cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Ningbo NGP Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chuanchun Wu, Yanan Yang, Jianxin Liang
  • Patent number: 10123478
    Abstract: A walk power mower having a cutting deck supported upon the ground by front and rear wheels. The mower includes a biased handle that permits the handle to be pivotally displaced downwardly, against an upward bias force, during operation. The bias force may be provided by a resilient member that compresses as the handle is displaced downwardly. The compression of the resilient member allows downward movement of the handle without initially producing corresponding upward movement of the front wheels of the mower during rearward pulling of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: THE TORO COMPANY
    Inventors: Chadwick A. Shaffer, Todd A. Porter
  • Patent number: 9949430
    Abstract: The present invention includes a control system for manually varying the speed of a walk behind belt-driven self-propelled lawn mower. The self-propelled lawn mower transmission is equipped with a lever for tilting the transmission for tightening or loosening the belt, and this increases or decreases the lawn mower speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: GXi Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Gordon W. Jackson, William R. Best
  • Patent number: 9408343
    Abstract: Electronic control systems and related control methods for controlling electric auxiliary motors for performing work, such as electric deck motors for mower blades. The apparatus is shown in use with a vehicle that includes a mowing deck. Features of the control systems allow for safe and efficient use of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Christopher K. Wyatt, Ivan E. Fox
  • Patent number: 9313953
    Abstract: The parking brake system for a lap bar controlled lawn maintenance vehicle includes at least an actuation assembly and a stop assembly. The actuation assembly includes a push arm and a rotatable pedal arm, and the push arm is attached to a lap bar and is rotatable between and engaged position and a disengaged position. Rotation of the push arm from the disengaged position to the engaged position causes rotation of the pedal arm, and such rotation of the pedal arm causes the stop assembly to prevent the axle for the rear wheel that is controlled by the corresponding lap bar from rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: MTD PRODUCTS INC
    Inventors: Alex Borshov, Adam Woodrum
  • Patent number: 9163707
    Abstract: A method for controlling the speed of the self-propelled transmission assembly for a walk-behind lawn mower is provided. The speed control mechanism is also configured to control the relative output speed of the transmission assembly. The speed control mechanism includes a speed engagement assembly and a speed adjustment assembly, wherein the speed engagement assembly includes a pair of rotatable levers for causing the transmission assembly to actuate between a disengaged position and an engaged position and the speed adjustment assembly includes a rotatable knob for causing the relative output speed of the transmission assembly to the wheels of the lawn mower to increase or decrease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc
    Inventors: Philip Helin, Rick Baehr
  • Patent number: 9010077
    Abstract: A riding lawn mower may include a cutting deck coupled to a cutting blade, an engine, a deck drive coupled to the engine to receive power for operating the cutting blade, a ground drive coupled to the engine to receive power for movement of the riding lawn mower over ground, and a friction drive coupling the deck drive to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Husqvarna AB
    Inventors: Matthew Elder, Justin Warner, Warren Pendry, Eric Canonage, Jeffrey C. Hickman, Lennie D. Rhoades, Roger J. Leon, David Bonner, Darren Chandler, James F. Dayton, Jr., Jake Fiser, Travis Lyons, Brad Graham, Duncan K. Burns, Jr., David Hypes
  • Publication number: 20140373498
    Abstract: A zero-turn-radius mower includes a chassis, a pair of drive wheels for supporting the chassis above a ground surface, an engine, and a pair of transmissions or other drive mechanism for driving the drive wheels. A manually-moveable brake lever enables an operator to selectively brake the drive wheels and a manually-moveable bypass lever enables the operator to selectively engage bypass functions of the transmissions. The brake lever and the bypass lever are mechanically coupled such that engaging the brake lever causes the bypass lever to be engaged with the brake lever, but engaging the bypass lever does not cause the brake lever to be engaged. The brake lever and the bypass lever each including a locking mechanism that retains the respective lever in an engaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Aaron Samuel Poe
  • Publication number: 20140260151
    Abstract: A zero-turn-radius mower includes a chassis, a pair of drive wheels for supporting the chassis above a ground surface, an engine, and a pair of transmissions or other drive mechanism for driving the drive wheels. A manually-moveable brake lever enables an operator to selectively brake the drive wheels and a manually-moveable bypass lever enables the operator to selectively engage bypass functions of the transmissions. The brake lever and the bypass lever are mechanically coupled such that engaging the brake lever causes the bypass lever to be engaged with the brake lever, but engaging the bypass lever does not cause the brake lever to be engaged. The brake lever and the bypass lever each including a locking mechanism that retains the respective lever in an engaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: SWISHER ACQUISITION, INC.
    Inventor: Aaron Samuel Poe
  • Patent number: 8713903
    Abstract: A braking system stopping the rotational movement of a spindles used in power equipment may have brake pads that engage the spindle. The braking system has a brake arm that pivots at one end and has a brake pad at the other end. The brake arm is connected to a spring which, when the brake system is engaged, causes the brake arm to pivot upwards and the brake pad comes into contact with a rotating spindle or pulley. For example, the pulley may be attached to a lawn mower blade. The combination of the spring pivoting the brake arm upwards as well as the rotation of the pulley towards the brake arm causes the pulley to cease rotating, bringing the rotating member to a stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: GXi Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Gordon W Jackson, William R. Best, Harold E. Mills
  • Patent number: 8695314
    Abstract: Two-way action cable control assemblies, systems, and methods are provided. A two-step cable control assembly for a power machine can include a base member pivotably attached to a handle of a power machine and being movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position to actuate a machine component, a hand lever pivotably attached to the handle of the power machine, and a latch pivotably attached to the hand lever and movable into interlocking engagement with a portion of the base member. In this arrangement, the base member can be moved by the hand lever when the latch is interlocked with the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Christopher Todd Walker
  • Patent number: 8663042
    Abstract: An apparatus for driving and braking a cutting blade of a lawn mower is disclosed. The apparatus includes a shaft extending through a housing for rotating the blade, and an engine-driven pulley. The apparatus includes means for biasing the pulley toward the housing, and means for translating the pulley away from the housing. The apparatus has a stopped position in which the pulley and housing are in friction contact, and a cutting position in which the pulley and housing are not in friction contact. When the engine delivers power to the pulley, the apparatus moves from the stopped position to the cutting position such that the pulley and the housing are not in friction contact and the blade rotates. When power delivery to the pulley ceases, the apparatus moves from the cutting position to the stopped position, placing the pulley and housing in friction contact, and the blade stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Thermoset Inc.
    Inventors: Ricky J. Bartell, John D. McGourthy, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130247527
    Abstract: A braking system for a rotating chopper drum (14) of a forage harvester (10) driven from an engine (11) via a drive train including a disengageable clutch (21). The drive train also drives a first pump (28) connected with the drum (14) which pumps fluid around a hydraulic circuit which includes an openable restriction (40). The system is arranged to brake the chopper drum (14) by disengaging the clutch (21) and arranging the first pump (28) to pump fluid around the circuit via the openable restriction (40) as the drum (14) continues to rotate to convert the energy of the rotating drum (14) into heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: AGCO INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventor: Andreas Brockmann
  • Publication number: 20130111865
    Abstract: A lawn mower includes an internal combustion engine, an electric motor configured to start the engine, a blade driven by the engine, and an assembly for stopping at least one of the blade and the engine. The assembly includes a brake mechanism, a release mechanism movable to an engaged position to release the brake mechanism, an interlock configured to selectively prevent the release mechanism from moving to the engaged position, and an interface allowing an operator to release the interlock to allow the release mechanism to move to the engaged position. The lawn mower further includes a switch actuated by the release mechanism and a control module coupled to the switch so that the switch provides a signal to the control module when the release mechanism is in the engaged position and the control module turns on the electric motor in response to the signal to start the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventor: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130097985
    Abstract: To achieve a particular price point and/or to utilize a particular engine, riding lawn mowers may be configured with reduced size, weight, and/or power requirements, in order. A riding lawn mower may comprise a cutting deck coupled to a cutting blade, and an internal combustion engine having a displacement of less than 225 cubic centimeters. The internal combustion engine may be coupled to the cutting blade via a friction drive, wherein the friction drive is configured with a neutral bearing in order to reduce flat spotting of components of the friction drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: HUSQVARNA CONSUMER OUTDOOR PRODUCTS N.A., INC.
    Inventor: Husqvarna Consumer Outdoor Products N.A., Inc.
  • Patent number: 8381885
    Abstract: A brake system and powered implement, such as a lawn mower, incorporating the same. In one aspect the invention is a system for stopping an electrically grounded rotating member of an engine powered by an ignition circuit, the system comprising: a conductive member operably coupled to the ignition circuit that renders the engine inoperative when electrically grounded, the conductive member mounted adjacent the rotating member; and the conductive member normally biased into a brake position in which the conductive member contacts the rotating member and is electrically grounded as a result of the contact with the rotating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventors: Mark Huibregtse, Nathaniel J. Vlietstra
  • Patent number: 8235151
    Abstract: A return to neutral control mechanism for a zero turning radius mower is disclosed. The return to neutral control mechanism includes a pair of control levers pivotable between forward, neutral and reverse positions. A brake pedal is moveable between a disengaged position to an engaged position. In response to engagement of the brake pedal, a control pivot attached to each control lever moves each control lever to the neutral position. The return to neutral control mechanism may include a cam that rotates in response to engagement of the brake pedal, and a control pivot that follows the cam during engagement of the brake pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Dimitri Nunez, Franklin Patrick Lewis, Damon C. Green, Brad A. Hoffman, John W. Wall, Michael David, Curtis Ayers, Thomas G. Bartlett, William B. Lambeth, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8176643
    Abstract: According to a chain saw braking system, engagement between a front end portion of a belt and a main body by an engagement member is released at the time of application of an impact. When a front end portion is pulled by the spring force of a compression coil spring, an elongate hole for protrusion is engaged with a protrusion to restrict a rear end portion from being moved in the same direction as the front end portion. Thus, it is possible to strongly tighten a drum by the belt to thereby reliably stop the movement of a chain. With this arrangement, the chain can be prevented from being damaged when a chain saw is accidentally dropped onto the ground due to an impact applied thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Husqvarna Zenoah Co Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Harada
  • Publication number: 20110283672
    Abstract: A gradual engagement system for use in power equipment is herein described. The gradual engagement system causes a clutch pulley to rotate around a clutch arm when an engagement tensile force is applied by an engagement spring. The engagement spring is attached to a pivot arm which is also connected to the clutch arm. The gradual engagement system allows the clutch arm to be pressed against a drive belt in a gradual fashion, providing for a smooth engagement of the various components of the power equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Gordon W. Jackson, William R. Best, Harold E. Mills
  • Patent number: 8061113
    Abstract: A gradual engagement system for use in power equipment is herein described. The gradual engagement system causes a clutch pulley to rotate around a clutch arm when an engagement tensile force is applied by an engagement spring. The engagement spring is attached to a pivot arm which is also connected to the clutch arm. The gradual engagement system allows the clutch arm to be pressed against a drive belt in a gradual fashion, providing for a smooth engagement of the various components of the power equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventors: Gordon W Jackson, William R. Best, Harold E. Mills
  • Patent number: 8057335
    Abstract: An emergency braking system for use in connection with a drive apparatus including a drive belt and pulley system for transferring power from a prime mover to a transmission or transaxle. The braking system includes a pulley engaged to the drive belt and a spring engaged to the pulley to provide a bias force thereto. When tension from the belt is removed from the pulley, the spring forces the pulley into engagement with an actuator to engage a brake mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Thomas J. Langenfeld
  • Patent number: 8016092
    Abstract: Magneto-rheological clutch and wheel transmission apparatuses and methods are provided. According to one aspect, a magneto-rheological clutch system can include first and second drive members and first and second driven members. A first gap can be present between the first drive and first driven members. A second gap can be present between the second drive and second driven members. A drive wheel and a snow blower impeller can be connected to the first and second driven member, respectively. First and second MR fluids can be disposed in the first and second gaps, respectively. A first magnetic field can be applied to the first MR fluid for engaging the drive wheel. A second magnetic field can be applied to the second MR fluid for engaging the snow blower impeller. The provided apparatuses and methods can also be applied to mower blades and wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Andrew Joseph McDaniel
  • Patent number: 7954573
    Abstract: A drive-steering control system suitable for off-road land and amphibious vehicles. The system includes first and second steering input levers, each operable to rotate in forward and rearward pivotal directions. A coupling mechanism converts and transmits rotation of the first steering input lever in the forward pivotal direction into rotation of the second steering input lever in the rearward pivotal direction, and vice-versa. A reducing mechanism operates to selectively reduce the propulsion outputs of first and second propulsion devices, and a converting mechanism operates to convert the rotations of the steering input levers into inputs to the reducing mechanism. Depending on the directions the steering input levers are rotated, the reducing mechanism reduces the propulsion output of either the first or second propulsion device, which causes either the lefthand or righthand side of the vehicle to travel at a lower speed and thereby turn the vehicle either left or right.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas F. Jessen
  • Publication number: 20110126502
    Abstract: Power equipment is designed to be operated by a user walking behind the power equipment, and includes an engine, a body, a drivetrain, a handle, a linkage, and a mechanism. The engine drives a working implement. The drivetrain links the engine to at least one wheel designed to drive the power equipment. The handle extends from the body, where at least a portion of the handle is designed to rotate relative to the body. Rotation of the at least a portion of the handle relative to the body is communicated to the drivetrain via the linkage, and controls a driving speed of the power equipment. The mechanism is designed to provide a mechanical advantage between rotation of the handle and operation of the linkage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Richard J. Pitman, Paul T. Wallace
  • Publication number: 20110083412
    Abstract: A brake system for use in power equipment is disclosed. The brake system has a brake arm that pivots at one end and has a brake pad at the other end. The brake arm is connected to a spring which, when the brake system is engaged, the spring causes the brake arm to pivot upwards and the brake pad comes into contact with a rotating member, for example a pulley, that may be attached to a lawn mower blade. The combination of the spring pivoting the brake arm upwards as well as the rotation of the pulley towards the brake arm causes the pulley to cease rotating, bringing the rotating member to a stop. The operator of the power equipment may have a lever or other apparatus to cause the brake arm to move between an engaged position and a disengaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Gordon W. Jackson, William R. Best, Harold E. Mills
  • Patent number: 7891161
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for actuating a control component of a power machine. A two-step bail can be attached to a handle for controlling the power machine. The two-step bail can include a base member and a control member, wherein the control member can be slidably attached to the base member which can be pivotably mounted to the handle of the power machine. The control member can be depressed, by an operator first action, into the base member, which can be followed by an operator second action wherein the base member and control member can be pulled reward toward the operator to actuate a control component of the power machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Scott Kaskawitz, Vincent Prinzo
  • Publication number: 20110000176
    Abstract: A trigger 52a control apparatus is provided for operating a transmission 44 of a self-propelled mowing machine 20 via a cable 42 between a halt condition and an advancement condition. The trigger 52a control apparatus includes a housing 100, and a plurality of independently operable triggers 52a rotatably coupled to the housing 100 for movement between an engaged and a disengaged position 104. Each trigger 52a includes an operation member 108a. A cam 114 is rotatably coupled to the housing 100 about a cam rotation axis 116 and operatively coupled to the cable 42, wherein rotation of the cam 114 in a first direction relatively increases tension in the cable 42. An actuation member 138 is coupled to the cam 114 a distance from the cam rotation axis 116.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: Husqvarna Consumer Outdoor Products N.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Clint Lahey, Matthew Lambert
  • Patent number: 7845442
    Abstract: A handle structure of a walk-behind working machine includes: a handle having left and right raised portions extending upward from a handle frame and a cross portion interconnecting the left and right raised portions; and a main clutch lever shiftable from a clutch-OFF position to a clutch-ON position by being pivoted into pressed abutment against the cross portion. The main clutch lever is constructed in such a manner that, when the main clutch lever is in abutment against the cross portion, a space for allowing a human operator to grip the left and right raised portions is secured between the left and right raised portions and the main clutch lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kohei Akazawa, Takayuki Sato, Kazuyoshi Miyahara
  • Publication number: 20100139227
    Abstract: A disengageable drive arrangement (1) for a lawn mower is provided, said arrangement comprising a gear box assembly (2), said gear box assembly (2) being mountable for rotation about a first axis (A1) under the action of a rotational force (F1) acting at a point of application on the gear box assembly (2), wherein a rotational position of said gear box assembly (2) about said first axis (A1) is controllable by a cable force (F2) applied by a cable (7), and wherein the cable is connected to the gear box assembly (2) via a force transmission arrangement (20) such that the rotational force (F1) applied on the gear box assembly (2) at said point of application is greater than the cable force (F2) applied by the cable (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Jörgen Johansson
  • Patent number: 7712292
    Abstract: A control system for a BBC on a mower comprises a pivotal bail and a pivotal housing that is linked to the BBC. If a push member on the housing is pushed inwardly from the side of the housing before the bail is pivoted, then a pin moves to a blocking position behind the bail. Subsequent pivoting of the bail will pivot the housing to actuate the BBC. A channel in the housing frictionally grips the bail to prevent rebound of the bail when a spring force resets the housing and the bail to their initial positions after the operator releases the bail. Movement of the push member also closes an interlock switch which will kill operation of the engine if a grass discharge outlet on the mower is uncovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Dale A. Stover, Merle W. Gaedy
  • Publication number: 20100071331
    Abstract: An agricultural machine, comprises a frame, two or more processing members, which are movably attached to the frame, and a drive device which is configured to drive the processing members. The drive device comprises a main drive shaft, two drive sections connected to the main drive shaft, which drive sections are each configured to drive one or more of the two or more processing members, wherein each drive section comprises a drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventor: Alfonsus Jacobus VAN DEN ENGEL
  • Patent number: 7677371
    Abstract: A normally engaged parking brake system for a mower that automatically disengages a parking brake when a steering arm is moved from a park position. Accordingly, the operator does not need to act to set or release the parking brake during normal operation. The system utilizes a hydraulic actuator that releases the parking brake when pressurized fluid is supplied thereto from a hydraulic pump of the mower. A manual pump, which can be configured to be operated by moving a steering arm of the mower, is provided for supplying pressurized fluid to the hydraulic actuator to release to brake in the event the hydraulic pump is not operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Xingen Dong, Barun Acharya
  • Patent number: 7661254
    Abstract: A lawn mower having selectively drivable wheels, includes steerable front wheels, rear wheels, a body frame, an engine supported by the body frame, a mower unit supported by the body frame, a change speed device, a front wheel driving device for transmitting drive from the change speed device to the front wheels, left rear and right rear wheel driving devices, and rear wheel clutches for selectively connecting and disconnecting drive. The rear wheel clutches are operable by an interlocking mechanism to disconnect drive transmission to one of the rear drive wheels moving along an inner track while turning the vehicle body. The interlocking mechanism has a link mechanism operatively connecting a steering mechanism for steering the front wheels to each of the rear wheel clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventor: Shoso Ishimori
  • Patent number: 7634953
    Abstract: A neutral adjustment mechanism for dual lever steering controls. The dual lever steering controls include two levers that are each independently pivotable forward and reverse to drive a zero turning radius mower. The neutral adjustment mechanism includes a control pivot connected to each lever of the dual lever steering controls that pivots with forward and reverse pivoting of each lever. A steering link has a first end with an adjustment point, a ball joint adjacent the adjustment point connecting the steering link to the control pivot, and a second end pivotably connected to an input control lever of a hydrostatic transmission pump. An operator seat may be positioned over the steering links. Under the operator seat, adjustment access holes are provided for adjusting the steering links while the operator seat remains in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Brad Allen Hoffman, Frank P. Lewis
  • Patent number: 7621112
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to braking high-speed rotational cutting equipment. In particular, some embodiments relate to forestry machinery having a cutting or mower apparatus, and further having a hydraulic brake. The brake includes a counterbalance valve which pressurizes fluid at the motor outlet to a predetermined level when flow of hydraulic fluid from a pump to a motor is discontinued. The hydraulic brake may include a restrictor orifice to reduce sudden pressure increases on the motor. The predetermined pressure level may be between about 2000 psi and about 4000 psi and the orifice may have a diameter of between about 0.025 and 0.040 inches. The counterbalance vent port can hydraulically connect to the motor case line. An anti-cavitation valve can be at the counterbalance valve port and can supply fluid to the motor inlet after the flow from the pump discontinues. Additional embodiments include related hydraulic control systems and methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Fecon, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Slattery, Robert G. Hentz
  • Patent number: 7591126
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for two motion cable engagement includes a housing adapted for attachment to a tubular member such as a handlebar or the like of a walk-behind lawnmower, a lever assembly pivotably mounted to the housing, and a socket operatively connectable to the lever assembly and actuatable by a deadman handle. The lever assembly preferably includes a lever, a hub connected to the lever, and a pivotable member which is selectively pivotably driven by the hub. When the socket is pivoted by the deadman handle from a primary position to an engaged position, movement of the lever from an initial position to an advanced position produces pivoting of the pivotable member and a control cable attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Wescon Products Company
    Inventor: Marvin Cox
  • Patent number: 7568330
    Abstract: A field chopper and a method for its operation. The field chopper includes an internal combustion engine in drive connection with a crop intake device, a chopping device, and a feeding device that transfers crop from the intake device to the chopping device. A controller, connected to an operator input, sets the drive speed of the feeding device. Upon input for starting the chopping operation, the controller triggers the following steps: bringing the drive speed of the feeding device to a reduced speed, closing a coupling to the crop intake device, and bringing the drive speed of the feeding device to a desired value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Claus-Josef Vogelgesang
  • Patent number: 7543430
    Abstract: Button type blade brake controls are disclosed that can be disposed on a handle of a power machine such a lawnmower. A blade brake clutch control can include a housing having a top portion that has a front side and a rear side. A control bail can have a pin extending therefrom that extends into the housing. A pivot arm can be disposed within the housing and connected to a control cable. A rotatable latch can be secured to the pivot arm. The latch can have a latch head that is aligned with the pin extending from the control bail. A rearward button can be disposed on the rear side of the top portion of the housing. The rearward button can have a contact surface positioned above the latch head. The rear button can be configured for pushing downward so that the contact surface contacts the latch head to rotate the latch head into an engaged position about the pin of the control bail so that, as the control bail is pulled downward, the pivot arm also pivots downward to pulled the control cable forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Scott Kaskawitz, Brian Bender
  • Publication number: 20090064649
    Abstract: Button type blade brake controls and methods for using the same are disclosed that can be disposed on a handle of a power machine such a lawnmower. A blade brake clutch control can include a housing having a top portion that has a front side and a rear side. A control bail can have a pin extending therefrom that extends into the housing. A pivot arm can be disposed within the housing and connected to a control cable. A rotatable latch can be secured to the pivot arm. The latch can have a latch head that is aligned with the pin extending from the control bail. A rearward button can be disposed on the rear side of the top portion of the housing. The rearward button can have a contact surface positioned above the latch head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Scott Kaskawitz, Brian Bender
  • Publication number: 20090044506
    Abstract: A return to neutral control mechanism for a zero turning radius mower is disclosed. The return to neutral control mechanism includes a pair of control levers pivotable between forward, neutral and reverse positions. A brake pedal is moveable between a disengaged position to an engaged position. In response to engagement of the brake pedal, a control pivot attached to each control lever moves each control lever to the neutral position. The return to neutral control mechanism may include a cam that rotates in response to engagement of the brake pedal, and a control pivot that follows the cam during engagement of the brake pedal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Dimitri Nunez, Franklin Patrick Lewis, Damon C. Green, Brad A. Hoffman, John W. Wall, Michael David, Curtis Ayers, Thomas G. Bartlett, William B. Lambeth, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090038281
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for actuating a control component of a power machine. A two-step bail can be attached to a handle for controlling the power machine. The two-step bail can include a base member and a control member, wherein the control member can be slidably attached to the base member which can be pivotably mounted to the handle of the power machine. The control member can be depressed, by an operator first action, into the base member, which can be followed by an operator second action wherein the base member and control member can be pulled reward toward the operator to actuate a control component of the power machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Scott Kaskawitz, Vincent Prinzo
  • Patent number: 7464526
    Abstract: A drive assembly driven by a drive unit locks one or several operating units (6) of an agricultural implement (1) or of a self-propelled implement. The operating unit (6) can be locked when switching off the drive unit or upon reaction of an overload coupling (4). The drive assembly (3) has an overload coupling (4) connected to the drive unit and driven by the drive unit in one driving direction of rotation. The overload coupling (4) is also connected to the operating unit (6). The drive assembly (3) further has a brake unit (5) connected to the overload coupling (4). The brake unit (5) is intended to be arranged in the driveline between the overload coupling (4) and the operating unit (6). Actuating mechanism (10) actuates the brake unit (5) when the operating unit is running so that the operating unit is braked and locked. Thereafter, the overload coupling is disconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: GKN Walterscheid GmbH
    Inventor: Karl Coenen
  • Patent number: 7458432
    Abstract: A dual lever steering control mechanism for a mounting a control lever or stick to a mower is disclosed. The mechanism includes a housing with an opening, a forward/reverse lever insertable through the opening and pivoting on a first axis, and a neutral position lever pivotably attached to the forward/reverse lever to pivot on a second axis transverse to the first axis. The control lever may be attached to the neutral position lever at a plurality of different height and fore/aft settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Benjamin S. Mayer, Kyle Thomas Ressler