Abstract: A modular drive assembly may include an electric motor, a housing at least partially enclosing the motor, an electronic connection assembly configured to electrically couple the electric motor to a host device, and an accessory attachment assembly configured to mechanically couple the modular drive assembly to an accessory to operate a working assembly of the accessory using only electrical power provided from the host device. The accessory attachment assembly may be configured to be releasably attached to the accessory and at least one other accessory of a different type than the accessory.

Abstract: An apparatus for the spraying of an area of interest (S) of a high-pressure working fluid (V) wherein the apparatus is susceptible to move relatively to the ground (S) along a direction of reciprocal advancement (d) and it comprises at least one tank (2) for the working fluid (V), at least one outlet nozzle (41) and a fluid connecting line (4) extending from the tank (2) towards the outlet nozzle (41). The apparatus further comprises supply means (5) of the working fluid (V) that include a high-pressure pump and at least one spraying device (10) placed along the fluid connecting line (4) the former (5) upstream with respect to the latter (10). Furthermore, the spraying device (10) comprises a support structure (11) that comprises a first plate (12), motor means (35) acting upon the first plate (12) to promote the eccentric rotation thereof around a first axis (Z) and at least one manifold (42) placed on the first plate (12) to move integrally therewith.

Abstract: A harvesting machine for picking up crop includes a container with a closable filler neck used to accommodate a fluid that is fed by at least one supply system to crop picked up by the harvesting machine. The container has at least one further, closable opening, through which at least one additional container is inserted into the container. The additional container is fillable with a fluid and has contents that can be mixed with the fluid present in the container.

Abstract: The present invention is a mulch plate assembly in a rotary lawnmower having a deck member featuring a discharge aperture wherein grass clippings and the like are discharged during use of the lawnmower, the mulch plate assembly comprising a rigid plate member, attachment means whereby the rigid plate is attached to the deck member in position to obstruct the discharge aperture, the attachment means capable of disengagement by a single unidirectional application of force by a user.

Abstract: A rotary mower apparatus for applying liquid chemical to vegetation has a rotating drive shaft extending downward through the deck, and a plurality of blades extending horizontally from the drive shaft. A blade ring extends downward from a bottom surface of the mower deck and is configured such that a bottom edge of the blade ring is located above a path of a middle portion of the blades, and a plurality of sprayer nozzles extend downward from the bottom surface of the mower deck inside the blade ring. A chemical source is operative to deliver pressurized liquid chemical through the chemical conduits to each sprayer nozzle.

Abstract: A riding rotary pressure washer comprising of a four wheeled powered vehicle, a circular cover that houses a balance spray bar assembly, the circular cover is adjustably attached to the four wheeled vehicle and is positioned between the wheels of the vehicle, a first L-shaped hose guide, the first L-shaped hose guide is attached to the rear of the four wheeled vehicle, a hose, the hose is attached to the balance spray bar assembly and guided through the first L-shaped hose guide, and a remote pressure washer system, the remote pressure washer system attaches to the hose of the riding rotary pressure washer.

Abstract: A walk power mower has a mower deck that encloses a pair of rotary cutting blades with the grass clippings from the blades being discharged through a rearwardly extending grass discharge tunnel in a rear bagging mode of operation. The blades are powered by a timed drive system that is carried by a horizontal apron that is part of a cast aluminum engine mount. The engine mount and the apron are bolted to a stamped steel deck shell that forms the cutting chamber in which the blades rotate. The mower has a side discharge mode in which a side discharge chute is releasably mounted over a side discharge opening. The chute carries a flow cutoff baffle having an inwardly protruding inner end that sticks through the side discharge opening to intercept and direct the clippings out through the side discharge opening and through the chute in the side discharge mode.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for harvesting a plurality of crop rows guide harvest residue and apply a liquid biodegrading agent thereto, while harvesting the crops.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus that chops off a weed at or below ground level and applies a small shot of herbicide to the freshly cut weed base. More particularly the present invention is a rechargeable, battery operated, solenoid driven, and hand held device with a herbicide reservoir on the handle and a reciprocating cutter blade with a directed herbicide spray nozzle at the base.

Abstract: In one contemplated embodiment, the present invention is a liquid delivery device for attaching to a walk-behind lawn mower or other similar machine. The device includes at least one means for attaching the device to the machine, and preferably a pair of straps for releasably attaching the tank assembly to the handle-portion of the lawn mower. The device includes the tank body assembly having at least one vertical sidewall coupled to a closed bottom at an end opposite an open top to define an interior volume. A cap selectively seals the open top and includes a pressurizing assembly. A wand assembly is operationally coupled to the fluid storage tank assembly, the wand assembly includes a hose operationally coupled to the interior volume of the tank assembly.

Abstract: A harvester has an operator cab, a motor, a carriage driven by the motor, a crop cutter and collector, a processing body, and an ultra-low flow agricultural forage preservative applicator system for applying a biological solution to forage during harvesting. The forage preservative applicator has a biological solution reservoir, a flush reservoir, a peristaltic pump, a valve operative to either couple the pump with the biological solution or the flush solution, and a dispensing tube, where the biological fluid containing pathways are of functionally like cross-section in the region between the biological solution reservoir outlet and the dispensing tube outlet. A flow detector which does not obstruct the fluid pathway is provided to monitor biological solution flow rate, and a moisture detector and harvest rate detector may be used for automatic control.

Abstract: A horticultural applicator having a raft, at least one cable attached to the raft, a boom associated with the raft, and a conduit in communication with the raft. The raft includes a lower surface, first and second side surfaces extending upwardly and outwardly from the lower surface at opposite ends thereof, and first and second end surfaces extending generally perpendicular from opposite ends of the lower surface between the first and second side surfaces. The cable is used to drag the raft over a surface containing vegetation. The boom is adapted to apply a substance onto the vegetation traveling below the lower surface of the raft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supply of treating fluid to a cutting apparatus directly to cut vegetation substantially simultaneously with the cutting of the vegetation. Treating fluid is delivered from the supply to an intermediate, sealed reservoir into which a desired volume of treating fluid is maintained and a rotary shaft seal is provided to seal the reservoir against entrance of debris. The treating fluid is then delivered from the sealed reservoir, via centrifugal force, through a channel to a passageway formed in the bolt connecting the cutting blade to a blade mount of the mower.

Abstract: A riding lawn mower mounted drop spreader apparatus is used for spreading a granular material while mowing. The spreader includes a hopper for holding a quantity of a granular material to be dispensed with a control gate which controls the amount of material distributed while mowing. An auger located in the hopper has a drive motor which can also be controlled by an operator of the mower. The hopper has a mounting frame for mounting the hopper and agitator mechanism on a rear chassis region of the lawn mower. An operator can visually observe the amount of material distributed by observing the mowed path behind the mower during use.

Abstract: A lawn mower and spreader system includes a deck, a hopper, and a spreading element. The deck supports an engine having a power takeoff and at least partially surrounds a blade coupled to the power takeoff. The hopper is configured to support granular fertilizer. Furthermore, the hopper has a discharge chute leading to an opening in the deck. The spreading element is coupled to the power takeoff of the engine and is positioned between the deck and the blade. The spreading element includes a hub and arms that extend laterally from hub. The arms are spaced apart from one another by open slots.

Abstract: A chemical applying apparatus for use on a rotary mower that includes a mower deck, a blade pan under the mower deck mounted to a driven shaft, and a plurality of blades attached to the blade pan. A slinger ring is attached to a top surface of the blade pan such that a center of the slinger ring substantially coincides with a rotational axis of the driven shaft, and a bottom edge of the slinger ring is sealed to the blade pan. The slinger ring slopes upward and inward from the bottom edge thereof to the top edge thereof. Discharge ports extend through the blade pan adjacent to and inside the slinger ring. A conduit is fixed to the mower deck and oriented to direct chemical onto the top surface of the blade pan inside the slinger ring, and a chemical source delivers chemical through the conduit.

Abstract: A mower unit includes a mower deck mounting therein in parallel layout first, second and third rotary blades rotatably driven about vertical axes and a washing device. The mower deck includes a top wall, side walls and first, second and third auxiliary side walls for evacuation. The washing device includes a single water supplying unit disposed upwardly of the top wall for supplying washing water and first, second and third water discharging units disposed through the first, second and third auxiliary side walls for discharging water to the first, second and third rotary blades respectively. The washing device includes also a water supplying pipe unit interconnecting and communicating the water supplying unit to the first, second and third water discharging units. The water supplying pipe unit is disposed within a mower deck rear space delimited by outer faces of the first, second and third auxiliary side walls.

Abstract: A mower unit is disclosed, including a mower deck mounting therein in parallel layout first, second and third rotary blades rotatably driven about vertical axes and a washing device. The mower deck includes a top wall, side walls and first, second and third auxiliary side walls for evacuation, the auxiliary side walls having shapes along at least a machine body rear portion of the rotary path of each rotary blade. The washing device includes a single water supplying unit disposed upwardly of the top wall for supplying washing water and first, second and third water discharging units disposed through the first, second and third auxiliary side walls for discharging water to the first, second and third rotary blades respectively. The washing device includes also a water supplying pipe unit interconnecting and communicating the water supplying unit to the first, second and third water discharging units.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supply of treating fluid to a cutting apparatus directly to cut vegetation substantially simultaneously with the cutting of the vegetation. Treating fluid is delivered from the supply to an intermediate, sealed reservoir into which a desired volume of treating fluid is maintained and a rotary shaft seal is provided to seal the reservoir against entrance of debris. The treating fluid is then delivered from the sealed reservoir, via centrifugal force, through a channel to a passageway formed in the bolt connecting the cutting blade to a blade mount of the mower.

Abstract: A marking assembly for attachment to a vehicle for distributing a marking agent on a substantially grass-covered field to mark one or more lines in one or more predetermined areas thereof. The marking assembly includes a deck having a grass-cutting subassembly for mowing the grass and removing the cuttings thereof to provide freshly-mown grass in the predetermined area, the deck being attachable to the vehicle. The marking assembly also includes one or more nozzle subassemblies positionable downstream relative to the grass-cutting subassembly when the vehicle travels in a forward direction. The nozzle subassembly includes one or more nozzles for releasing the marking agent to mark the line on the predetermined area.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supply of treating fluid to a cutting apparatus directly to cut vegetation substantially simultaneously with the cutting of the vegetation. Treating fluid is delivered from the supply to an intermediate, sealed reservoir into which a desired volume of treating fluid is maintained and a rotary shaft seal is provided to seal the reservoir against entrance of debris. The treating fluid is then delivered from the sealed reservoir, via centrifugal force, through a channel to a passageway formed in the bolt connecting the cutting blade to a blade mount of the mower.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for killing insects on vegetation using an insecticide, where the insecticide does not contact the vegetation. In one embodiment, an absorbent material is placed on an upper surface of a disc mower. The absorbent material is soaked with insecticide, and as a tractor moves the mower through a field of hay, insects land on the insecticide-laden material and die from the toxic effect of the insecticide. In another embodiment, an L-shaped blade outfitted with an insecticide-laden mat is mounted transverse to the front of an all-terrain vehicle or a tractor, which is driven through a field. The blade, or alternatively a feeder bar attached to the blade, brushes the tips of vegetation in the field, causing bugs and insects to fly, fall or jump from the vegetation onto the insecticide-laden mat, where the insecticide kills some, most or all of the bugs and insects.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supply of treating fluid to a cutting apparatus directly to cut vegetation substantially simultaneously with the cutting of the vegetation. Treating fluid is delivered from the supply to an intermediate, sealed reservoir into which a desired volume of treating fluid is maintained. The treating fluid is then delivered from the sealed reservoir, via centrifugal force, through a channel to a passageway formed in the bolt connecting the cutting blade to a blade mount of the mower. The treating fluid is ejected from the bolt passage directly onto the exposed undersurface of the cutting blade and directly to the vegetation at the same time that it is cut so that the treatment fluid, herbicide or other chemical is absorbed directly into the translocation system of the cut vegetation.

Abstract: A device for applying a fluid to the underside of a mowing deck includes a hollow body, a plurality of outlet apertures, and a magnetic mounting assembly. The device may include at least one brush attached to a cutting blade. The device may also include a detachable and flexible fan assembly that cleans cutting debris from the topside of a mowing deck while cooling the cutting engine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supply of treating fluid to a cutting apparatus directly to cut vegetation substantially simultaneously with the cutting of the vegetation. Treating fluid is delivered from the supply to an intermediate, sealed reservoir into which a desired volume of treating fluid is maintained. The treating fluid is then delivered from the sealed reservoir, via centrifugal force, through a channel to a passageway formed in the bolt connecting the cutting blade to a blade mount of the mower. The treating fluid is ejected from the bolt passage directly onto the exposed undersurface of the cutting blade and directly to the vegetation at the same time that it is cut so that the treatment fluid, herbicide or other chemical is absorbed directly into the translocation system of the cut vegetation.

Abstract: A mobile harvesting apparatus and method utilizes a stream of liquid, propelled under hitch pressure through at least one nozzle, to harvest produce. Preferably, a plurality of nozzles is provided. Additionally, it is preferred that, for each nozzle provided, there is an associated diverter plate. With this configuration, a stream of liquid exiting a nozzle will, after harvesting all item of produce, strike its associated diverter plate.

Abstract: A steam injection manifold assembly is mounted to a crop pick-up assembly and is provided with an elongate manifold disposed lengthwise of the pick-up assembly. A plurality of steam injection tubes are releasably mounted to the manifold to receive steam exiting through respective steam outlet openings provided in the manifold. In one embodiment the injection tubes are shaped similarly to tine stripper bands of the pick-up, and in another embodiment the injection tubes define the stripper bands of the pick-up.

Abstract: A system for performing several functions in caring for crops such as vines grown in rows uses a high pressure water jet to selectively prune, thin shoots and remove leaves from growing crops. Water jet size, pressure, movement and position relative to the crops are controlled to obtain desired functions.

Abstract: A mobile harvesting apparatus and method utilizes a stream of liquid, propelled under high pressure through at least one nozzle, to harvest produce. Preferably, a plurality of nozzles is provided. Additionally, it is preferred that, for each nozzle provided, there is an associated diverter plate. With this configuration, a stream of liquid exiting a nozzle will, after harvesting an item of produce, strike its associated diverter plate.

Abstract: Novel lawn mowers and tree shredders or “chippers” designed to prevent the spread of agricultural pathogens, such as citrus canker, for example, are described and claimed herein. Exemplary embodiments of the mower comprise a storage tank containing chemical agent useful in eradicating agricultural pathogen, the tank connected to a series of nozzles arranged on the mower such that the mowing blades, lower frame of the mower, and housing guard, for example, are sprayed with the chemical agent. Embodiments of the “chipper” include one or more nozzles arranged within the hopper and/or the exit chute through which chemical agent may be sprayed onto foliage entering into the chipper and processed foliage exiting the chipper, respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus preferably coupled to a boom on a truck which can simultaneously trim and chemically treat trees or other vegetation with a herbicide. The apparatus, in addition to have a standard saw blade assembly with limb clamping jaws, includes a sprayer assembly. The sprayer assembly includes nozzles which administer herbicides or other chemical treatments adjacent to the saw blades, allowing herbicide to be precisely administered to the tree limbs as they are cut.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying a biocide liquid composition to billets formed from sugar cane stalks. In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is comprised of a container for containing the liquid composition, a conduit in fluid communication with the container, and one or more nozzles in fluid communication with the conduit, the apparatus being sized and configured for connection to a billet-type sugar cane harvester so that the nozzles are disposed to direct the liquid composition onto the billets either before or as they are received by a hopper configured to receive the billets dispensed from the harvester during operation of the harvester. Related improvements to harvesters and methods of inhibiting microbial degradation of sugar cane.

Abstract: A water nozzle is attached to the mower deck of vegetation mower that extends into the interior of the mower deck housing. Water is channeled into the water nozzle and is diverted laterally out through an end of the nozzle toward the mower blade in the housing deck for use in cleaning the interior sides of the mower deck housing. The water may contact the mower blade to be propelled to the sides of the mower deck housing. The nozzle may be rotatably attached with respect to the deck to use in manually turning the nozzle cleaning the entire periphery of the interior of the mower deck housing.

Abstract: A washing device is provided for removing debris from an underside of a mower having a multi-chamber cutting deck. The device includes a mounting apparatus allowing the device to be attached to a flange of the deck. Connected to the mounting apparatus is an assembly for dispersing liquid such as water and delivering the water to all portions of the underside of the deck. To accomplish this delivery, the assembly includes first and second liquid dispersion plates attached with each other and also connecting with the mounting apparatus to allow the delivery of water therethrough. Provided in one of the plates is a channel having divided end portions which elevate water upon contact so as to lift the water over an included cutting blade. Coupled with this plate is yet another plate enabling connection of the dispersion assembly to the deck and also providing a vent between the two plates. Creation of this vent then allows an emission of water reaching across the width of each of the included chambers.

Abstract: A chamber is formed in the upper end of a brush saw cutting head housing. The brush saw cutting element drive spindle's upper end projects into the chamber. The drive spindle's lower end projects beneath the housing and is drivingly couplable to the cutting element. A disc is mounted against the underside of the cutting element. A cavity is formed in the disc. At least one channel extends through the disc, between the cavity and the disc's external rim. An aperture extends through the drive spindle, between the chamber and the cavity. Herbicide supplied to the chamber flows from the chamber, through the drive spindle aperture, into the cavity. The drive spindle rotates the disc. Centrifugal force imposed on herbicide within the cavity forces the herbicide through the channel(s) onto the underside of the cutting element, for transfer onto the stumps of material cut by the element.

Abstract: A grass and leaf collection sled for riding lawn mowers. The sled vastly increases the total volume of grass, leaves, and other lawn residue that can be picked up and transported to a disposal site. The sled is easily assembled, simple to load and unload, and is easily stored after use. The sled enables collection of a large volume of lawn refuse without relying upon additional mechanical devices to complicate the operation of the lawnmower.

Abstract: The invention is a multifunctional, mobile appliance capable of performing a variety of tasks safely, quietly, without pollution, and out of sight of its owner. Such tasks might include lawn mowing, fertilizing, and edging, floor vacuuming, waxing, and polishing, or rug shampooing. In its preferred implementation, the mobile unit 1 would obtain precise real time and position information using the Real Time Kinematic Global Positioning System. The user initially guides the appliance around the work-area perimeters. The device then uses this information to determine the full working area. Proximity detectors and impact sensors help the appliance avoid unexpected obstacles. The device is quiet enough to perform its task in the middle of the night while its owner is asleep, but can be programmed to work continuously or during any user-specified time interval. The small turning radius of the appliance allows it to follow intricate perimeters.

Abstract: A mower deck cleaning device for a rotary mower for removing clippings from the inside of the mower blade housing. A tubular conduit is mounted on the mower so as to extend through the deck of the mower. A garden hose may be attached to the conduit to flow water through the conduit. A rotor mounted on the conduit receives the water from the hose and projects a rotating pattern of pressurized fluid for cleaning the inside of the housing.

Abstract: A rotary mower has a cutting blade and, spaced above it, a fan blade mounted to be rotated on the same axis of rotation as the cutting blade. It has at least one nozzle fixed with respect to the fan and cutting blades, and positioned to spray liquid in a direction substantially parallel to the planes of rotation of the cutting and fan blades, and between those planes of rotation. The nozzle is positioned behind a member with a slot in it, the nozzle projecting spray through the slot and being shielded by the member from damage.

Abstract: A mower unit of grass cutting machine has at least two blades. The left blade is rotatable clockwise, while the right blade is rotatable counterclockwise. A grass discharge passage is formed between the two blades. An endless rotational belt for transmitting drive to the two blades is offset forwardly in a region between the blades, thereby forming, between the blades, a space without the endless rotational belt. The grass discharge passage has an upper surface inclined rearwardly and upwardly to extend from a position forwardly of a pair of pulleys corresponding to the two blades.

Abstract: There is provided a mower having a high pressure fluid pump powered by a mower engine and communicated to a fluid jet assembly. The pump receives associated fluid from a mower reservoir. An output fluid stream is discharged from a fluid jet under sufficient pressure to sever associated vegetation and impact upon a mower diffusing device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously cutting and directing fluid into the stem of a tabacco plant, the apparatus including having a liquid delivery blade, a source of fluid communicating with to the underside of the blade, an associated power source for rotating the liquid delivery blade at a sufficiently high speed “top” tobacco plants.

Abstract: A mower unit of a grass cutting machine has at least two blades. The left blade is rotatable clockwise, while the right blade is rotatable counterclockwise. A grass discharge passage is formed between the two blades. An endless rotational belt for transmitting drive to the two blades is offset forwardly in a region between the blades, thereby forming, between the blades, a space without the endless rotational. The grass discharge passage has an upper surface inclined rearwardly and upwardly to extend from a position forwardly of a pair of pulleys corresponding to the two blades.

Abstract: There is provided a mower having a high pressure fluid pump powered by a mower engine and communicated to a fluid jet assembly. The pump receives associated fluid from a mower reservoir. An output fluid stream is discharged from a fluid jet under sufficient pressure to sever associated vegetation and impact upon a mower diffusing means.

Abstract: A method for cutting vegetation and simultaneously treating the remaining stems of the cut vegetation with a treatment fluid. In a mower having a cutting blade assembly rotatably mounted on a blade carrier, a treatment fluid in a removable fluid container cells is pumped to the cutting blade. The method includes the steps of cutting vegetation with at least one cutting blade, and delivering a treatment fluid to the underside of the at least one cutting blade in a continuous stream so that the treatment fluid is continuously available to the remaining stems of the cut vegetation. Metering the amount of treatment fluid that is pumped to the cutting blade assembly is precisely controlled at a very low, but effective, rate.

Abstract: Grass blower for use with lawn mower, comprising rotating blade assembly in housing. Housing receives grass cuttings discharged from deck of lawn mower. Rotating blade assembly blows grass cuttings in housing into entrance of discharge chute.

Abstract: Apparatus (20) for cleaning a lawn mower (10) after its use in mowing a lawn. The mower has a deck (14a, 14b) beneath which are mounted grass cutting blades (B). When cutting grass, grass clippings and other debris accumulate on the underside of the deck. The apparatus comprises a flexible tubing (24, 54) routed over an outer surface of the deck. Ends of the hose attach to a coupling (28) which, in turn, is attached to a source of water through a shut-off valve (30) for water to circulate through the hose. A plurality of fittings (32, 60) are installed in the hose at locations along its length. The fittings extend through a sidewall (40, 56) of the tubing and through the mower deck. Each fitting has a bore (38, 66) extending through the fitting for water circulating through the tubing to be drawn through the fitting and sprayed on the underside of the mower deck. The water flushes away the accumulated grass clippings and other debris.

Abstract: The device that has been invented, sprays water into and around a windrow of hay evenly adding moisture to dry alfalfa to allow for baling at moistures above 14% and below 18%, reducing the losses of leaves due to shatter.