Abstract: A drive transmission structure for a tractor comprising a belt drive system for transmitting power from an engine output shaft to a transmission having a brake mechanism. The belt drive system includes a belt type stepless change speed mechanism having a split pulley assembly and a swing device for swinging the split pulley assembly toward the engine output shaft and the transmission, a first belt for transmitting the power from the engine output shaft to the split pulley assembly, and a second belt for transmitting the power from the split pulley assembly to the transmission. The pulley assembly defines two split pulley sections for engaging the first and second belts, respectively. A control device is provided to change power transmission ratios by actuating the swing device. Further, a tension pulley type clutch mechanism is provided to act on the first belt or the second belt. The brake mechanism and the tension pulley type clutch mechanism are controlled by the clutch and brake control mechanism.

Abstract: A control assembly associated with a walk-behind mower having a handle bar that is attached to a rear portion of the mower body and is formed with opposite side portions and a rear cross portion extending between the side portions. Forming the control assembly, are two curved bale members juxtaposed in a side-to-side relationship with one another and pivotally connected between the side portions of the mower handle bar. A first control cable connects one of the pivotable bale members with an operator zone engine kill/restart assembly and a second control cable connects the other bale member with the wheel clutch so that these assemblies can be independently actuated by consecutive movement of the bale members to actuating positions.

Abstract: A belt or chain-operated clutch and brake apparatus for lawnmowers which is mounted above the blade shroud or housing, and includes a shaft with a cooperating split drum assembly having a hub keyed to the shaft and oppositely-disposed, spring-loaded brake shoes bolted to opposed drum segments and pivoted to the hub plate attached to the hub. At least one drive pulley is freely rotatable on the shaft above the split drum assembly and carries a pulley drum which is shaped to define a round, downwardly extending drum flange located between the brake shoes and the drum segments in the split drum assembly. The brake shoes are biased into contact with the drum flange of the pulley drum in order to effect rotation of the split drum assembly and the shaft when the pulley is driven by a V-belt. A brake band encircles the drum segments in the split drum assembly and is secured to a fixed post at one end and a movable post at the opposite end for selectively tightening on the drum segments.

Abstract: Improvements are described for power mowers comprising a prime mover, a rotatable drive shaft driven by the prime mover and rotatable grass cutting means adapted to be driven by power from said drife shaft. The improvements involve including in the mowers (a) a centrifugal clutch interposed between the drive shaft and the cutting means, (b) apparatus enabling the prime mover to operate at a rate of speed at least high enough for the clutch to engage, and alternatively at a rate of speed low enough for the clutch to disengage, and apparatus including a pulley and at least one stationary belt frictionally engageable therewith for stopping rotation of the cutting means concurrently with the disengagement of the clutch.

Abstract: An interlinking control device in a tractor-mounted working machine having an engine with a governor, a braking mechanism for braking wheels, and a clutch operatively coupled between the engine and the wheels. The braking mechanism and the clutch are operated respectively by first and second control systems, which have ends coupled to a single human-operated swingable member. The clutch starts being disengaged when the swingable member starts swinging and is completely disengaged when the swingable member is positioned intermediately on a path of swingng movement thereof. The braking mechanism produces a maximum braking force when the swingable member reaches a terminal end of the path of swinging movement thereof.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism between rotating drive and driven members particularly for smaller horsepower applications. A drum is carried on the drive member. The driven member carries clutch shoes that are movable into and out of engagement with the drum. Springs are provided for effecting movement of the shoes into engagement with the drum to drivingly clutch the drive and driven members together. A brake band is provided for selectively effecting movement of the shoes out of engagement with the drum and to stop rotation of the driven member without interrupting the rotation of the drive member.

Abstract: A handle mounted control for the blade brake clutch mechanism and/or the ground wheel drive of a walk-behind rotary power mower. The control requires two distinct actions for actuation. The first action is movement of a deadman lever in the form of a bail from a disengaged to an engaged position. The second action is movement of the control lever from disengaged position to operating position when the deadman lever is in engaged position. Release of the deadman lever to disengaged position releases the control lever from operating position and permits it to return to disengaged position under the biasing force of a cable connected between the control lever and the controlled mechanism on the mower deck.

Abstract: A blade-brake clutch device of a lawn mower in which a brake drum of an internal expanding type brake and a clutch drum of a centrifugal type clutch are combined together with back to back relation and fixedly secured to a rotating shaft of a mower blade, there being provided a clutch boss member for holding clutch shoes of the centrifugal clutch and fixedly secured to an output rotating shaft of an engine of the lawn mower.

Abstract: A compact, safety, control assembly for lawnmowers having electrically started engines is provided which includes a "dead man" function and which requires two distinct steps for starting the lawnmower engine. The control assembly preferably includes a shiftable bail, a movable lever, a cable connected to the lawnmower ignition assembly and shiftable between positions corresponding to the off, on and start position of the ignition assembly, a rotatable operating mechanism connected to the cable and operable by the bail, a fitting attached to the cable and engageable by the lever, and a spring biasing the cable to the off position. A second embodiment of the invention is provided that does not include a lever or cable fitting and which is applicable to so-called zone restart lawnmower controls. In operation, the operating mechanism is rotated by the operation of the bail thereby shifting the cable into the on position.

Abstract: An adapter for use with sunflower head combines or corn harvesters in which the stalks are cut from the ground and ride upon closed-bottom channels from which they pass between rollers to be deposited in a swath on the ground while the corn and sunflower heads are separated by strippers cooperating with conveyors displacing the stalks along the channels.

Abstract: A mower drive mechanism including a clutch-brake assembly, a travel control and neutral lift-off assembly, and a traction sensor assembly for a friction disc transmission having a driven disc engageable with a drive disc. The clutch-brake assembly includes a rockshaft, bellcrank actuator asssembly, and swing plate for raising the driven disc of the friction disc transmission when the rockshaft rotates a predetermined amount. Further rotation of the rockshaft causes a brake arm to come into engagement with a brake hub on the drive shaft for the driven disc thereby effecting a braking action. Also, a spring force is applied to the rockshaft which is transmitted through the bellcrank actuator assembly to the swing plate for biasing the driven disc toward the drive disc in a driving mode. The travel control and neutral lift-off assembly includes a rotatable control member for causing the driven disc to be moved linearly along its drive shaft to a desired speed and direction of rotation setting.

Abstract: A control apparatus for the blade clutch assembly of a walk-behind powered lawnmower is provided that incorporates a "dead man" feature along with a two-step procedure for engagement of the clutch. The control apparatus includes a shiftable bail, a cable having an engageable end portion, a two-armed coupling mechanism responsive to shifting of the handle, and a pivotally mounted cam for engaging and disengaging the coupling mechanism from the cable end portion. The coupling mechanism is positioned in cable end portion engaging alignment by shifting of the handle to a first position, and is maintained in engagement with the cable end portion by one surface of the cam as the handle and cable are shifted to second positions. The cable is biased by a coil spring to its first position, and upon release of the handle the cable will shift from the second to the first position.

Abstract: A lawn mower including a blade housing supporting a prime mover which drives a cutter blade. The prime mover causes rotation of a drive shaft and a clutch driven by the drive shaft is engagable and disengagable with the cutter blade. A handle is connected to the housing and a control is pivotally attached to the handle. The lawn mower further includes an arrangement operable to permit the engagement and disengagement of the clutch by the pivotal movement of the dead man control. This arrangement includes a flexible member connecting the control and the clutch and an arrangement restricting a substantial portion of the flexible member to a predetermined path along the handle. The restricting arrangement includes a pulley rotatably attached to the handle between the control and the housing and the flexible member is guided around the pulley.In one embodiment, the mower includes a mower propelling arrangement and an upper handle is movably attached to a guiding handle.

Abstract: This invention is a magnetic clutch brake mechanism operable to achieve either a clutch or a brake function and can be installed, for example, on a lawn mower apparatus to selectively control the rotating movement of a lawn mower blade member. The magnetic clutch brake mechanism includes: (1) a main actuator assembly; (2) a drive rotor assembly which is connected to a main drive shaft for rotating same; (3) a clutch plate assembly operably connectable to the drive rotor assembly; and (4) in this case, a blade mount assembly to receive a rotatable lawn mower blade that is securely fastened thereto. The main actuator assembly includes an actuator bracket member which is connected to an actuator ring member that is selectively movable axially about the drive rotor assembly and the clutch plate assembly to alter a magnetic field therein. The drive rotor assembly includes a rotor member which is driven by a gasoline or electric motor in order to rotate same at a desired speed.

Abstract: A lawn mower including an engine having an output shaft, an air impeller, a plurality of cutter blades, and a driven shaft having the air impeller and the cutter blades connected thereto. The driven shaft is connected to the output shaft of the engine through a centrifugal clutch having a drum, and a brake band is located in a path of air drawn by suction by the air impeller for clamping against the outer periphery of the drum of the centrifugal clutch to interrupt rotation of the driven shaft.

Abstract: A self-propelled lawn mower (2) has an engine (4), transmission (8), two drive wheels (10) and a rearwardly and upwardly extending handle (18). A pivotable and rotatable control bar (20) is mounted on handle (18). The pivotable and rotatable bar (20) provides individual or simultaneous engagement of drive wheels for ground traction, gradual or zero radius turns, and braking. Thus a single control bar (20) provides a multitude of functions.

Abstract: A combination rotary mower and edger having a control lever on the handle, a flexible cable connected to the lever, and edger operating parts connected to the cable including a pivotal arm for raising and lowering the edger blade, an idler pulley for belt tightening to provide power to the edger blade, and a belt brake that is released to permit powering of the edger blade.

Abstract: An arrangement for rapidly halting an internal combustion engine powered implement upon release of a deadman control by the implement operator where a spring actuated braking member engages an annular friction surface on the engine flywheel and the engine ignition system is also disabled is disclosed employing a spring biased toggle moveable between folded and extended positions as the deadman lever moves respectively between actuated and released positions so as to provide a relatively constant force opposing operator actuation of the deadman lever. An additional operator actuated control lever may move the toggle beyond the extent possible due to deadman lever operation for engaging a starter mechanism when the deadman lever is actuated by the operator.

Abstract: A control lever assembly for a lawn mower has a main lever and an auxiliary lever pivotably mounted on lawn mower handle. The main lever is operatively connected through spring biased wire to tend to open a clutch and apply a brake for a rotary cutter of the lawn mower. The auxiliary lever when manually held against the mower handle pushes a resilient arm on the main lever out of engagement with a first stop on the body, thereby automatically causing the main lever to connect the clutch and disengage the brake. A spring biased second movable stop on the auxiliary lever is received in a recess in the main lever to detent the main lever in the locked position for operation of the mower. When the auxiliary lever is released manually by the operator, the second movable stop carried thereby is retracted out of the recess on the main lever to automatically return the wire to disconnect the clutch and engage the brake.

Abstract: A lawn mower including a blade housing supporting a prime mover which drives a cutter blade. The prime mover causes rotation of a drive shaft and a clutch driven by the drive shaft is engagable and disengagable with the cutter blade. A handle is connected to the housing and a dead man control is pivotally attached to the handle. The lawn mower further includes an arrangement operable to permit the engagement and disengagement of the clutch means by the pivotal movement of the dead man control. This arrangement includes a flexible member connecting the dead man control and the clutch and an arrangement restricting a substantial portion of the flexible member to a predetermined path along the handle. The restricting arrangement includes a pulley rotatably attached to the handle between the dead man control and the housing and the flexible member is guided around the pulley.

Abstract: An improved drive assembly is provided particularly for use with lawn mowers and the like for selectively coupling an engine drive shaft to rotatably drive a mower blade when a control lever is grasped by the operator, and for quickly halting blade rotation when the control lever is released while the engine is running. The drive assembly comprises a drive member secured to the end of the drive shaft and supporting an annular driven member to which the mower blade is connected for rotation relative to the drive member. A clutch ring carried loosely about the drive shaft is coupled for rotation with the driven member by intermeshing sets of relatively large drive teeth movable axially relative to each other to accommodate spring-biased axial clutch ring displacement toward a normal position in frictional engagement with a stationary brake pad on the mower housing to halt driven member rotation.

Abstract: A compact, safety control assembly for lawnmowers having a cable actuated clutch between the motor and blade is provided which includes a "dead man" function along with an operating mechanism requiring two distinct steps for engaging the clutch and initiating rotation of the lawnmower blade. The control apparatus preferably includes a clutch cable biased to a clutch-disengaged position, a first handle engageable with the clutch cable for shifting the cable to a clutch-engaged position, a second movable handle for releasably retaining the clutch cable in the clutch-engaged position, a spring for yieldably biasing the second handle to a position wherein the clutch cable is released from the second handle means, and a shiftable detent that prevents shifting movement of the first handle means when the second handle means is in its normal, biased position. Two control assemblies of the type disclosed may be used in tandem on lawnmowers having a clutch-engaged blade and a clutch-engaged ground drive.

Abstract: A compact, unitary attachment for the control handle of a power lawnmower is provided that couples a hand-graspable bail to the clutch control cable of the lawnmower. The attachment body is preferably molded from a synthetic resin material and includes a bail-receiving channel coupling the attachment to the bail for pivotal motion therewith, a slot for engageably receiving the end fitting of the cable, and a control handle-engaging arm extending from the attachment. The attachment body readily accommodates a spring for biasing the bail to a released position.

Abstract: The mower is equipped with a pulley and a stationary belt which rapidly stops rotation of the shaft carrying the cutting blades. When this braking system is functioning, the belt and pulley system connecting the engine with a drive pulley mounted on the same shaft is disconnected. When the braking system is released, the pulley system between the engine and the drive pulley is connected.

Abstract: A corn snapping header for a forage harvester is provided with corn snapping units of the snapping plate type which are disposed with their crop passages converging to a single rear outlet. A single transverse drive line with flexible drive means is provided to drive the snapping units.

Abstract: A compact safety control apparatus and method for powered lawnmowers having a cable-actuated clutch between the motor and blade thereof is provided which includes a "dead man" function along with an operating mechanism requiring two distinct steps for engaging the clutch and initiating rotation of the lawnmower blade. The control apparatus preferably comprises a shiftable lever and a separate, shiftable "dead man" bail, along with an operating mechanism including a coupler positioned on the lever and movable into engagement with an end fitting on the actuating cable by means of a plate shiftable with the bail; when the coupler is initially positioned by movement of the bail, the lever is shifted to move the cable and thereby engage the clutch, whereupon the cable is releasably locked in position by interengagement of respective shoulders on the cable fitting and plate. Subsequent release of the bail releases the locking shoulders, thereby disengaging the clutch.

Abstract: A walk-behind, power lawn mower having a double action manual control reqing two distinct actions in order to start the cutting blade of the mower. The control includes a bracket mounted to one side of the mower handle bar, the bracket having a slot with an enlarged opening therein. A control handle connected to a brake-clutch mechanism is mounted with one end in the bracket slot and the other end pivotally received in the other side of the handle bar. A spring acting through the brake-clutch mechanism biases the control handle in a raised position with one end registered with the enlarged opening in the bracket. To start the mower cutting blade, the control handle must be rotated against the handle bar thus releasing the brake and engaging a clutch which controls the cutting blade. However, in order to rotate the control handle, it must first be moved in one direction away from the enlarged opening in the bracket. Then the control handle may be moved in another direction to release the cutting blade.

Abstract: A lawn mower having a housing mounted on wheels, an engine, a cutting blade, a brake connected to stop the cutting blade's rotation, a brake actuating arm connected to the brake, a spring biasing the brake arm to the set or braking position, a U-shaped handle connected to the housing and extending upward and rearward with a cross portion at its outer end, an actuating arm on the engine, a control housing secured to the side of the handle, a spring biasing the actuating arm toward stopped position, a control line connected to actuating arm extending through a sheath to a control lever in the control housing, a deadman lever in the control housing, the control lever and the deadman levers being interconnected so that the deadman lever retains the control lever in running position while the deadman lever is held in operating position but the control lever is released to stop position when the deadman lever is released.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rotary lawn mower comprising a housing supported for rotation along the ground, an engine mounted on the housing and including a rotatably mounted crankshaft, a cutter blade located in the housing and fixed to the crankshaft, a braking surface located on the crankshaft and having common rotation therewith, a brake arm supported for movement relative to the engine between a braking position and a non-braking position, which brake arm has thereon a brake surface which is engageable with the braking surface when the brake arm is in the braking position, a spring biasing the brake arm toward the braking position, an actuating linkage for moving the brake arm into the non-braking position against the action of the brake arm biasing spring, and a lost motion connection between the brake arm and the actuating linkage.

Abstract: A combined safety clutch and brake mechanism for a rotary lawn mower blade has a driven blade carrier with self-energizing centrifugal shoes biased to engagement with a driving drum. Brake drum segments fixed to the shoes are engaged by a brake band which physically forces the shoes to declutched position. To ensure reliable operation, the brake band is connected to a lever arm which is strongly biased to brake-ON position by a coil spring engaged about a guide rod and disposed along the movable end portion of the brake band, in a chordal position between the band and a surrounding protective bowl. The geometry of the lever arm and spring thrust line progressively reduces the force required to actuate the brake band to OFF position, relative to the spring force, as the lever arm is moved and the spring compressed.

Abstract: A compact safety control apparatus and method for powered lawnmowers having a cable actuated clutch between the motor and blade thereof is provided which includes a "dead man" function along with an operating mechanism requiring two distinct steps for engaging the clutch and initiating rotation of the lawnmower blade. The control apparatus preferably includes a shiftable handle, a coupler responsive to shifting of the handle, a depressible push button for moving the coupler into engagement with an end fitting on the actuating cable, and a pivotally mounted ramp for selectively disengaging the coupler and the end fitting. In operation, the coupler is moved by operation of the handle into a position adjacent the end fitting of the actuating cable, the push button is depressed to engage the coupler with the end fitting, and the handle is shifted to move the coupler, cable end fitting and cable, thereby engaging the clutch.

Abstract: A rotary lawn mower is provided with a grass collection bag arrangement comprising a bag holder having a flexible skirt for supporting a disposable collection bag. The bag holder is mountable on a mounting plate facing rearwardly on the mower housing and close coupled to a grass discharge chute formed on the housing. The bag holder is retained on the mounting plate by a pivotally mounted lever engagable with the bag holder frame and operable in the release position to actuate an ignition grounding switch to ground the ignition system of the mower engine. The mower engine power takeoff shaft is coupled to a rotary blade which is mounted on a hub having a cylindrical brake drum fixed thereto. A spring coil brake band is disposed around the brake drum and pivotally mounted at one end to the mower housing and connected at the opposite end to a flexible cable which is connected to the bag holder retaining lever.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lawn mower comprising a prime mover mounted on a housing and including an output shaft extending into the housing, a first pulley sheave fixed to the output shaft for common rotation therewith and including an inclined surface, a blade assembly mounted on the output shaft for relative rotation therebetween and including a cutter blade, and a combined pulley sheave and brake drum fixed to said cutter blade, which combined pulley sheave and brake drum includes a pulley sheave portion comprising an inclined surface facing the inclined surface of the first pulley sheave and a brake drum portion, an endless member trained between the inclined surfaces, an idler pulley around which the endless member is trained and mounted on the housing for movement between a first position locating the idler pulley to remove slack from the endless belt, thereby drivingly connecting the first and second sheaves for common rotation, and a second position locating the idler pulley to permit slack in the endless

Abstract: A single pedal is employed to control the clutching and braking of a powered tractor. The mechanism involved also includes a hand-operated handle which may be manipulated independently of the actuation of the pedal to effect braking.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved lawn mowing machine for large expanses of grass around apartment complexes, commercial facilities and golf courses. The mower is self propelled with a forward mounted mower deck including a plurality of rotary cutters. The blades or cutters rotate in opposite directions on opposite sides of the deck to bring the grass clippings to a deck mounted central vacuum. The mower blades are driven by a belt drive to eliminate expensive drive shafts and gearboxes. Applicant's 45.degree. twist belt drive geometry provides increased life to the belt over prior art 90.degree. twist belt drive geometries.The mower deck includes novel side mower wings. A combined clutch and brake mechanism disengages the drive belt to the wing blade spindle and simultaneously brings the blade to a stop within one second when the wing in raised beyond its cutting range. The wing deck is attached to the mower central deck by a depressed hinge substantially close to the elevation of the mower blades.

Abstract: A clutch/brake mechanism designed to reduce the possibility of its clutch and brake components being engaged simultaneously that includes axially fixed clutch and brake members (80 and 33) spaced from one another relative to the drive shaft (21) of a power source, and an axially movable carrier (65) arranged about the drive shaft. The carrier has wall surfaces defining a movable brake element (75) and a movable clutch element (76), the former being engageable with the fixed brake member (33) when the carrier is in one position and the latter being engageable with the clutch member (80 ) when the carrier is moved to another position.

Abstract: An apparatus which automatically prevents the rotation of a rotary blade or the like when a power plant is operating at idling speed and which drivingly engages the rotary blade when the power plant is driven at a predetermined speed which is greater than idling speed. The apparatus includes a housing having a generally frusto-conical portion and a brake shoe which engages a fixed brake band under spring pressure when the power plant is at idling speed and a plurality of weights which move outwardly by centrifugal action into engagement with the housing to move the housing away from the brake shoe and provide a drive connection to a rotary blade when the speed of rotation of the power plant is increased a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A power saw, especially power chain saw, in which a sprocket wheel is driven by a motor through the intervention of an intermediate clutch acting as safety clutch, and which comprises a control member for disengaging the intermediate clutch. The control member is by means of an actuating member returnable to its ineffective position. The power saw furthermore comprises a follower member which is movable from an engaged position to a disengaged position and vice versa for respectively connecting and disconnecting the clutch elements of the intermediate clutch. The power saw also includes a clutch with a clutch drum and also has a brake member cooperating with the clutch drum. The brake member is designed as brake band and is looped around the clutch drum.

Abstract: A compact safety control apparatus and method for powered lawnmowers having a cable-actuated clutch between the motor and blade thereof is provided which includes a "dead man" function along with an operating mechanism requiring two distinct steps for engaging the clutch and initiating rotation of the lawnmower blade. The control apparatus preferably comprises a shiftable lever and a separate, shiftable "dead man" bail, along with an operating mechanism including a coupler positioned on the lever and movable into engagement with an end fitting on the actuating cable by means of a plate shiftable with the bail; when the coupler is initially positioned by movement of the bail, the lever is shifted to move the cable and thereby engage the clutch, whereupon the cable is releasably locked in position by interengagement of respective shoulders on the cable fitting and plate. Subsequent release of the bail releases the locking shoulders, thereby disengaging the clutch.

Abstract: A mounting (12) for the throttle lever (13) and the dead-man control lever (22) to the handle (11) of an appliance such as a lawn mower, and including a locking bolt (30) carried by a leaf spring (27) to interfere with the movement of the dead-man control lever (22) so as to insure against accidental or unintentional movement of the dead-man control from one position to another.

Abstract: A brake and clutch mechanism for a rotary type lawn mower or the like in which first friction element (25) carried by a rotor member (24) is rotatable with the working element or blade (14) and is resiliently urged by springs (26) into clutching engagement with a clutch member (27) rotated by the driving shaft (13) of the mower, and in which second friction elements (32) are resiliently urged radially outward by springs (36) into braking engagement with a braking surface (24A) of said rotor member (24).

Abstract: Disclosed is a lawn mower including an input shaft selectively drivingly connected to an output shaft supporting the cutting blade. The lawn mower includes a sun gear driven by the input shaft, a first planetary gear in enmeshing relation with the sun gear and supported for rotation around the input shaft and for rotation about an axis parallel to the input shaft, and a ring gear surrounding the sun gear and the first planetary gear, and in enmeshing relation with the first planetary gear. A second planetary gear is drivingly connected to the first planetary gear, and is rotationally driven by the first planetary gear. A second sun gear is connected to the output shaft for driving the output shaft, the second sun gear being in enmeshing relation with the second planetary gear. Apparatus is further provided for alternately braking the ring gear and the output shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a combined clutch and brake comprising a drive assembly including a driving member rotatable about an axis and a driving disk fixedly extending on the driving member for common rotation therewith and against axial movement therebetween, a driven assembly mounted on the drive assembly for relative rotation therebetween and against axial movement of the driven assembly, a ring member located in encircling relation to the driving member between the disk and the driven assembly and including an upper surface having an annular friction pad including a radially inner portion in facing relation to the disk and a radially outer portion, a spring biasing the ring axially towards the disk for driving engagement by the disk with the inner portion of the friction pad, a brake member fixed against rotary movement and movable axially between a retracted position and a braking position engaged with the outer portion of the friction pad so as to disengage the ring from the disk against the action of the s

Abstract: An assembly for effecting driving or braking of a rotatable working element hich tube may be operatively connected to the powered rotary shaft, and passes through a central bore in the adaptor plate and has a collar that is dimensioned so that it cannot pass through the central bore. A spring biases the adaptor plate and drive plate apart. When the adaptor plate is connected to a working element, such as a rotary lawn mower blade, and the adaptor tube and drive plate are connected to the rotary shaft, by moving the adaptor plate with respect to the drive plate and a stationary housing portion in a direction parallel to the rotary shaft, braking or clutching is provided by engagement of a friction ring with the housing portion or drive plate, respectively. The adaptor tube, actuation plate, adaptor plate, and drive plate comprise a subassembly for ease of construction and mounting.

Abstract: A rotary lawn mower is provided with a grass collection bag arrangement comprising a bag holder having a flexible skirt for supporting a disposable collection bag. The bag holder is mountable on a mounting plate facing rearwardly on the mower housing and close coupled to a grass discharge chute formed on the housing. The bag holder is retained on the mounting plate by a pivotally mounted lever engagable with the bag holder frame and operable in the release position to actuate an ignition grounding switch to ground the ignition system of the mower engine. The mower engine power takeoff shaft is coupled to a rotary blade which is mounted on a hub having a cylindrical brake drum fixed thereto. A spring coil brake band is disposed around the brake drum and pivotally mounted at one end to the mower housing and connected at the opposite end to a flexible cable which is connected to the bag holder retaining lever.

Abstract: A control system (20) for an outdoor power equipment unit (2) includes a control member (22) pivotally mounted on the housing (4) of unit (2). Control member (22) rotates in a first direction from a neutral position to a first position in which a brake and clutch drive is actuated to a second position in which a traction drive for housing (4) is actuated. A latch (60) stops rotation of control member (22) in the first position since the clutch comprises a selectively operable drive motor (6) and the first position is the proper position for starting the drive motor (6). Latch (60) is releasable to allow continued rotation of control member (22) to its second engaged position.

Abstract: A clutch and brake mechanism for a rotary type lawn mower or the like in which a brake plate (28) is movable away and toward friction elements (27) to engage the same, which friction elements (27) are also engageable by a clutch plate (16), the surfaces of the friction elements (27) being arranged to provide that braking and clutching may occur alternately.

Abstract: An electric lawn mower including an A.C. motor and a D.C. motor connected through a gearing and clutch arrangement for operation of either motor separately or concurrently. The gearing arrangement includes a mower blade drive gear acted upon by either of the respective driven gears associated with the A.C. and D.C. motors. The mower may be operated by either the A.C. motor or the D.C. motor separately, or by both motors combined to provide increased power to the cutting blade for mowing of dense areas of vegetation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a combined clutch and brake comprising a drive assembly including a driving member rotatable about an axis and a driving disk fixedly extending on the driving member for common rotation therewith and against axial movement therebetween, a driven assembly mounted on the drive assembly for relative rotation therebetween and against axial movement of the driven assembly, a ring member located in encircling relation to the driving member between the disk and the driven assembly and including an upper surface having an annular friction pad including a radially inner portion in facing relation to the disk and a radially outer portion, a spring biasing the ring axially towards the disk for driving engagement by the disk with the inner portion of the friction pad, a brake member fixed against rotary movement and movable axially between a retracted position and a braking position engaged with the outer portion of the friction pad so as to disengage the ring from the disk against the action of the s

Abstract: An apparatus which automatically prevents the rotation of a rotary blade or the like when a power plant is operating at idling speed and which drivingly engages the rotary blade when the power plant is driven at a predetermined speed which is greater than idling speed. The apparatus includes a housing having a generally frusto-conical portion and a brake shoe which engages a fixed brake band under spring pressure when the power plant is at idling speed and a plurality of weights which move outwardly by centrifugal action into engagement with the housing to move the housing away from the brake shoe and provide a drive connection to a rotary blade when the speed of rotation of the power plant is increased a predetermined amount.