Abstract: A lawn mower includes a cutter blade that cuts grass; a body portion including a housing containing the cutter blade, and a grass clippings discharge passage that discharge grass clippings cut by the cutter blade from the housing; a grass clippings container detachably attached to the body portion, and a slide device. The grass clippings discharge passage includes an upstream opening connected to the housing, and a downstream opening for ejecting grass clippings to outside of the body portion. The grass clippings container includes an opening opened toward the body portion and connected to the body portion, an end surface facing the opening, and a side surface extending from the opening to the end surface. The slide device adjusts a distance between the downstream opening of the grass clippings discharge passage and the end surface of the grass clipping container.

Abstract: A material collection system sensor includes a paddle pivotably mounted to a tunnel on a collection container floor. The forward end of the paddle is adjacent a front of the collection container and the rearward end is adjacent a rear of the collection container. A switch mounted to the tunnel under the paddle has an actuator extending above the tunnel that is actuatable by downward pivotal movement of the paddle. A sensitivity adjuster attached to the tunnel under the paddle has a sensitivity adjustment knob outside the collection container which compresses or relaxes a spring extending upwardly against the paddle.

Abstract: A clippings collecting-discharging device includes: a bucket on a lawn mowing unit divided into a main body part including a clippings flow inlet and a movable part connected to an upper end of the main body part, and can be operated between a closed position where the main body part and the movable part abut against each other and an open position where the movable part is rotated upward and separated from the main body part; a discharge plate in the bucket positioned near the inlet in a lying posture when the bucket is closed; and a discharge mechanism where the discharge plate stands up toward an opening between the main body part and the movable part while interlocking with the operation of the bucket, which position is changed to the open position.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for cleaning objects, such as refrigeration coils and the like, by placing a first end of a bag over one side of the coils, and placing a second end of the bag over a suction hose of a vacuum. When the vacuum is activated and compressed air (or other gas or liquid) is blown into a second, opposite, side of the refrigeration coils, the dirt removed therefrom is directed toward the interior of the bag and into the vacuum and contained therein. Baffles within the bag direct the flow of dirt and debris toward the vacuum.

Abstract: A clippings collecting-discharging device saves labor in an operation for discharging collected clippings. The clippings collecting-discharging device includes: a bucket on a lawn mowing unit divided into a main body part including a clippings flow inlet and a movable part connected to an upper end of the main body part, and can be operated between a closed position where the main body part and the movable part abut against each other and an open position where the movable part is rotated upward and separated from the main body part; a discharge plate in the bucket positioned near the inlet in a lying posture when the bucket is closed; and a discharge mechanism where the discharge plate stands up toward an opening, between the main body part and the movable part while interlocking with the operation of the bucket, which position is changed to the open position.

Abstract: A grass collector adapted to be attached to a rear of a riding-type mower for receiving cut grass from a mower unit through a duct, the grass collector including a front container section having a rearwardly facing opening and adapted to be attached to the riding-type mower, the front container section carrying a first bottom plate having a substantially horizontal position. A rear container section is supported pivotably about a pivot point located in a rear upper region of the front container section and pivotable between a first position wherein the rear container section substantially covers the opening of the front container section and a second position pivoted from the first position to allow cut grass to fall, the rear container section having a second bottom plate having a substantially horizontal position.

Abstract: A lawnmower comprising a grass cutting unit (4,5). A grass collector (6) is positioned to receive grass from the grass cutting unit. The collector has an outlet (9) with a coupling for attachment to an external grass receiver and a mechanism (10) for removing grass from the collector through the outlet.

Abstract: A recovered waste processing arrangement is fitted in an independently movable power tool for maintaining the environment. The power tool includes at least one processing unit provided with a processing device. The processing unit is connected to the frame of the power tool. The arrangement includes: a chamber connected to the processing unit for receiving recovered waste from the processing device; a discharge aperture connected to the chamber; a transport duct, the first end of which is connected to a discharge aperture; a collecting tank connected to the power tool frame and to the second end of the transport duct; a first blower arranged between the processing unit chamber and the collecting tank, via which air and recovered waste carried along with air are sucked through the transport duct from the processing unit and blown into the collecting tank; and a second blower connected to the chamber by an air duct.

Abstract: A lawn mower, comprising a vehicle body that is supported by a plurality of wheels; a support frame that is connected to a rear part of the vehicle body; a grass collector that is supported on the support frame so as to be pivoted between a grass collecting position and a discharge position about an axis oriented in the transverse direction of the vehicle body, the grass collector having a bottom surface; a swiveling body that is connected to a rotating shaft of the grass collector to be rotated in unison so as to switch the grass collector between the grass collecting position and the discharge position; and a cylinder connected to the swiveling body and to the support frame; wherein the swiveling body and the cylinder are disposed below the grass collector in the grass collecting position, and the cylinder extends along the bottom surface of the grass collector.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for a mower includes a floor defining a downward recess with respect to a floor surface, and an air speed measuring device or air pressure measuring device disposed in the recess for measuring a speed or pressure of air blown by the mower. The measuring device has air speed detecting elements or air pressure detecting elements. The air speed detecting elements or air pressure detecting elements have detecting heights including a height level with the floor surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cutting slits in a surface, for instance a turf cover, comprising a frame displaceable over the surface, a movable cutter on the frame and oriented during use toward the surface for the purpose of cutting slits in the surface. The invention is distinguished in that the device comprises collecting means for collecting the material cut from the surface by means of the cutter. The invention also relates to a dispensing device, comprising a filler material container, a channel to an outflow opening oriented toward a slit, which channel is connected to the filler material container, and a dispensing mechanism in at least one of the channel and the filler material container.

Abstract: A mown-grass collecting bucket capable of smoothly collecting into a mown-grass collecting box the grass mown off by a lawn mower cutters and automatically discharging out of the box the mown grass collected into the box and scraped together is provided. The mown-grass collecting box having intake and discharge ports for the mown grass is provided with a mown-grass scraping-together and discharging mechanism, which mechanism comprising a rotary shaft coupled to a rotary drive source to be driven thereby, a first blade supported through first brackets by the rotary shaft, a second blade supported through second brackets mounted to support shafts provided on the first brackets, a brush provided to tip edge of the second blade, and twist springs each mounted on each support shaft and across each first bracket and each second bracket.

Abstract: A grass collecting apparatus includes a grass collecting container support; at least one grass collecting container mounted on the container support and having an upper end opening edge for receiving mowed grass or the like through a conduit, a guide hood for covering the grass collecting container from the above, a support portion for supporting the guide hood while allowing its displacement from a closed position to an opened position; a fixed sealing plate provided to the grass collecting container support in the vicinity of the support portion; and a movable sealing plate provided to the guide hood in the vicinity of the support portion. The movable sealing plate is disposed in opposition to the fixed sealing plate, and a free end of the movable sealing plate displaceable in association with opening/closing displacement of the guide hood approaches the fixed sealing plate at least when the guide hood is at the closed position or the opened position.

Abstract: A grass collecting system having a grass collecting duct for transmitting grass clippings reaped by a mower to a swingable grass catcher. The grass collecting duct includes top and side plates for guiding grass clippings from the mower unit to the grass catcher. An outlet portion is defined by an end of a space surrounded by the top and side plates. The grass collection system also having a grass clippings discharge path for transmitting grass clippings received from the mower, from the outlet portion into the grass catcher, and a bottom plate unit disposed in the outlet portion that is swingable about a pivot shaft from a guide position to an upstanding position. The bottom plate unit has a shortening mechanism for shortening a distance between a forward end of the bottom plate unit projecting into the grass collecting duct and the pivot shaft.

Abstract: A material collecting fill indicator and pressure gauge is mounted on a conduit extending from a grass mower housing to a clipping container, with the conduit passing by an operator's seat on the mower. The fill indicator has a visible air pressure gauge to visibly show the operator the changes in the static air pressure within the conduit which reflected the degree to which the clipping container is filled.

Abstract: Machine for cutting grass comprising a plate located in the front part of the machine, a storage container located between the axes of rotation of the front wheels and rear wheels of the machine and connected to the plate by a duct, the machine comprising a device for moving the container to cause the outward movement and overturning thereof so as to unload the cut grass in the longitudinal direction and toward the rear of the machine.

Abstract: A mower with a grass catcher (10) for collecting grass clippings transmitted from a mower unit. The grass catcher has an inlet opening (12) in a front position thereof, and an outlet opening (13) and an openable lid (14) in a rear position. The grass catcher (10) is connected to the rear end of a vehicle body to be supported in a suspended state by a grass catcher support unit (100). The support unit includes mounting posts (9) attached to the rear end of the vehicle body and extending upward, and a support link mechanism (20) for interconnecting upper regions of the mounting posts and lower rearward regions of the grass catcher, and for switching the grass catcher between a grass clippings collecting posture with the inlet opening directed forwardly of the vehicle body, and a raised dumping posture with the outlet opening directed downward. The support link mechanism performs a switching process for switching the grass catcher from the grass clippings collecting posture to the raised dumping posture.

Abstract: A rear discharge mower includes a frame, a drive wheel having a drive axle and a mower deck supported by the frame. The mower also includes a discharge chute used in transporting cut vegetation from the mower deck to a grass bag. A drive system includes a transmission and is used in driving the drive wheel. The transmission is positioned in line with the drive axle. The inventive arrangement of this rear discharge mower provides for a direct chute having a large cross-sectional area and yet including transmission that is in line.

Abstract: A riding lawn mower includes a front wheel unit (1), a rear wheel unit (2) having a left rear wheel (2a) and a right rear wheel (2b), a body frame (3) supported by the front wheel unit and rear wheel unit, a mower unit (10) disposed under the body frame between the front wheel unit and rear wheel unit, a driver's seat (5) disposed on the body frame to be above the mower unit, an engine (7) disposed rearwardly of the driver's seat, and a drive transmission mechanism (70) for transmitting drive from the engine to the rear wheel unit. The engine (7) is disposed between and substantially at a higher level than the left and right rear wheels (2a, 2b) to secure a utility space (100) extending longitudinally of the vehicle body between the left and right rear wheels.

Abstract: A self-propelled mowing vehicle includes a chassis supported on front and rear pairs of transversely spaced wheels. At least a front-mounted mowing unit is attached to a front end of the chassis and operates to deliver cut crop to a longitudinally extending first section of a flat belt conveyor assembly which includes at least a second section that receives crop from the first section and delivers it transversely. In accordance with a first embodiment, the first conveyor section terminates at the rear sides of the front pair of wheels and the second conveyor section extends perpendicular to a longitudinal centerline of the vehicle and is mounted for sliding movement so as to selectively deliver crop to either side of the vehicle.

Abstract: Machine for cutting grass comprising a plate located in the front part of the machine, a storage container located between the axes of rotation of the front wheels and rear wheels of the machine and connected to the plate by a duct, the machine comprising a device for moving the container to cause the outward movement and overturning thereof so as to unload the cut grass in the longitudinal direction and toward the rear of the machine.

Abstract: A mower (100) has a collecting box (108,110;1) with the dual functions of collecting mown grass and distributing grass or other material over the ground. Thus the box has an outlet opening (12) which is closed or obstructed during grass collection. It may be an elongate opening which is obstructed by an elongate brush (2) or paddle (8) member which is rotatable when it is desired to discharge material. The box may have a mechanism such as a belt or other conveyor (10;11;12) for conveying material to the opening.

Abstract: A mower unit includes a blade housing, and a guide plate for dividing a grass clipping flow space formed in the blade housing, along a flowing direction into a first flow space and a second flow space communicating with each other in a downstream position with respect to the flowing direction. The blade housing has a discharge section for discharging grass clippings cut by cutting blades, in a predetermined direction along with air flows. The discharge section has an intake opening for drawing ambient air into the second flow space. The guide plate may be displaceable relative to the blade housing to vary a sectional passage area of the first flow space.

Abstract: A machine for cutting grass and the like of the type comprising a frame (1a) to which are made integral an operating engine (2), a driving seat (3), means (4) for steering the machine and a front grass-cutting plate (60), characterized in that such grass-cutting plate (60) comprises at least one or more pairs of cutting blades (61) made to rotate via means (2a, 63, 66, 67, 61a) of transmission of the drive from engine (2) and a guard (62) for protecting such cutting blades, which is extended toward the middle part of the machine by a duct (63) capable of engaging a cut-grass collecting container (9) located centrally with respect to the axes of rotation of front wheels (7) and rear wheel (8) of the machine and located in the lower position grazing the ground as shown in FIG. 3 , the action of pushing the cut grass toward such container being exerted by the pressure generated by the rotation of cutting blades (61 ).

Abstract: A grass catching attachment for use with a rotary lawn mower is disclosed. The attachment includes a flexible bag which has been adapted to expand the capacity of a rigid, grass catching receptacle frequently employed by commercial landscapers during mowing operations. The bag is fabricated from a number of specially shaped panels of durable fabric sewn together to form an elongated envelope having a generally curved configuration. The top and bottom panels of the bag include a narrowed and rearwardmost terminus positioned outside a rearward projection of either of the top or bottom panel's front edge thus allowing the distal end of the bag to be suspended directly beneath at least one of the mower handlebars. A rigid frame having a peripheral channel for engagement with brackets extending from the grass catching receptacle as well as for the receipt of a drawstring sewn into the flexible bag is provided for joining the bag and the rigid receptacle.

Abstract: An indicator mechanism for visually displaying the full condition of a lawn mower grass collection bag, specially adapted for use on a riding lawn mower having a rear mounted bag. The indicator mechanism comprises a housing mounted to the discharge chute leading from the mower cutting deck to the collection bag, in a position visible to the driver during normal cutting operation of the mower. The housing includes a compartment in communication with the interior of the discharge duct through a suitable opening. An indicating member is hingedly disposed within the housing and is movable between a lowered position and a raised position in response to pressure variations caused by changes in the air flow within the duct. When the collection bag becomes full, high pressure within the duct forces the indicating member to its raised position, where it is visible to the driver through a window formed in the side of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for grass collectors and the like that allows the trailer boxes of such collectors to be easily emptied. The invention includes a liner disposed within the trailer box of a collector cart. The liner is pulled out of the trailer box to remove the material accumulated in the collector. The preferred apparatus is easily manufactured as it includes only a rod and cloth including clips. The rod is attached near the rear of the trailer box and the liner is rotatably attached to it. The opposite end of the liner is suspended to a frame in the front of the collector by clips. In between, the liner lies in the bottom of the trailer box and the grass clippings, leaves, etc. are allowed to fall on it during operation of the collector.

Abstract: A material collection mechanism coupled with a mowing vehicle and having a container mechanism or a flexible bag for receiving air and air-borne material, and within which the material may accumulate. A support mechanism is coupled with an attachment mechanism and extends upwardly therefrom for supporting the container. The support mechanism includes a generally vertically extending chamber for rigidifying the support mechanism, and is also adapted to receive air from the container for channeling the air downwardly for discharge adjacent to the ground. An attachment mechanism is provided for coupling the material collection mechanism with the vehicle. A mechanism is provided for maintaining the bags in material receiving position.

Abstract: Device for collecting or directly depositing cut grass for a lawnmower, mounted on the rear surface of a mower (2) and applied to the ejection channel (3) of this latter. The device has a removable bottom (4) detachably connected thereto, wherein after removal of the removable bottom (4) the device permits directly depositing the cut grass if collection is not desired. The removable bottom (4) is in the form of a rigid plate provided at one end with hooks (5) adapted to coact with a lower cross member (6) of the collecting apparatus and, at its other end, with a lock (7) for locking in closed position coacting with another lower transverse member (8) parallel to the first.

Abstract: A lawnmower bag includes a flexible bag, with a top framework. The top framework includes a forwardly extending handle defined by a loop directed forwardly of the framework, with side rails of the framework slidably mounting a pusher plate therealong to effect removal of grass collected within the bag structure. The pusher plate includes a threadedly removable rod mounted thereto for selective securement of the rod relative to the pusher plate. A modification of the invention includes a pusher plate formed of a hinged plate construction biased rearwardly in a first position, with a cable effectively tensioned to permit projection of the pusher plate forwardly over grass accumulated within the bag structure to permit compaction of such grass and thereby permit enhanced efficiency of storage of grass within the bag structure.

Abstract: This is an apparatus having a flat bottom and generally vertical walls for enclosing and containing plugs of turf discharged from a turf aerating machine. The apparatus includes a pan having a generally flat bottom and generally vertical side walls extending upwardly from the flat bottom. The pan is pivotally connected to the turf aerating machine by a hydraulic lifting apparatus, and the pan is located sufficiently close to the aerating machine to receive plugs of turf discharged from the turf aerating machine. The pan has a tilting apparatus connected thereto which allows the pan to be tilted to dump turf plugs collected therein when desired.

Abstract: A sweeper apparatus for sweeping grass cuttings from a lawn and depositing the cuttings in a pile includes a wheel carried frame for towing directly behind or offset with respect to a tractor type lawn mower, a drum mounted on the frame with an open top front end for receiving lawn cuttings, a rotary sweeper for sweeping lawn cuttings upwardly beneath a cowl into the drum, a lever pivotally connected to the frame for manual actuation to tension a belt/pulley system which causes the drum to rotate to a cuttings discharge position and to return to a cuttings receiving position, and a release device for deactivating the tilt mechanism, whereby the drum returns to the cuttings receiving position.

Abstract: A dumping apparatus for a grass catcher for rearwardly inclining the grass catcher containing grass clipping to discharge the grass clippings. The apparatus includes a guide member and a movable member mounted in the guide member, a restraining member for restraining the movement of the catcher and a bracket fixed to a rear face of the catcher. A leading end of the movable member is pivoted at a longitudinally intermediate position of the bracket and a leading end of the restraining member is pivoted at a rear upper position of the bracket, whereby the grass catcher may be moved and inclined for the dumping action.

Abstract: Grass cutting machine with tip-up box comprising a frame (1) mounted on wheels (2) and supporting a horizontal shaft (3) provided with rotating blades (4) and a box (8), movable from a lower position for collecting the cut grass to an upper position for discharging the cut grass into a dumper. The box (8) is upperly provided with a hinged cover (12) and is connected to the frame (1) by two telescopic guides (13), to the upper end of which it is joined so that it can be tipped up at the end of the lifting stroke and discharge the cut grass into the dumper, through the aperture closed by said cover and directed downwards, following to said tipping.

Abstract: An improved cart to be towed behind a riding lawn mower for collecting grass clippings, etc. therefrom and also which can be used for strict utility purposes. The cart has a tub-like open-top bed to which is secured a forward upward-extending wall having attached thereto a retractable canopy engagable with the rim of the bed to cover the same and which wall and canopy are readily detachable from the bed. The bed is pivotally mounted on a wheeled chassis for backward tilting for dumping its contents and return to normal position under the control of the operator of the mower while seated on the mower seat. The cart has a pair of ground engaging castor wheels and is detachably hitched to the mower by a construction which permits limited pivotal movement relative to the mower about a horizontal transverse axis and limited pivotal movement about a horizontal axis extending in the fore and aft direction but which prevents pivotal movement about a vertical axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-purpose trailer (24) with a universal mounting hitch (26) for use with a garden tractor (22). The multi-purpose trailer (24) includes two U-shaped front ends (36) having horizontally aligned apertures (40) therein to enable two point pivotal attachment to the garden tractor (22). The trailer (24) is supported above the surface of the ground by a single, pivotal wheel (46) and further includes a trailer box (30) which is pivotal about a substantially horizontal axis proximate the back end of the trailer. The universal mounting hitch (26) includes a U-shaped bracket (151) including two spaced apart vertically extending legs (152) including a plurality of apertures (164) therein. The vertically extending legs (152) are interconnected by a horizontally extending member (154) including a plurality of apertures (158). The apertures (158) enable attachment of the U-shaped bracket (151) to the draw bar of the garden tractor (22).

Abstract: A grass catcher having a container and lid operatively attached to the lawn mower to receive grass cuttings in a grass catching mode and nestably related on the lawn mower in a storage mode for shipping. In the grass catching mode the lid is mounted to the lawn mower handle and includes downturned side flanges provided with a longitudinal guide track. The container is relatively deep and includes a rearwardly formed chute portion and upper side flanges engageable with the guide track, so that the container can be selectively separated from the lid. In the storage mode the container is inverted and disposed over the lawn mower motor assembly with the chute disposed rearwardly. The lid is nestably received by the container and can be shipped with the lawn mower in a container only slightly larger than that required to ship the lawn mower itself.

Abstract: A grass catcher having a lid with downturned side flanges, and a transverse web seating on a pair of rearwardly extending handle members. An interconnecting member on the side walls of a container selectively engages guide members on the side flanges of the lid for detachably connecting the container to the lid. The guide members are upwardly facing surfaces and provide rearwardly opening tracks. The interconnecting members are laterally extending flanges received in the tracks and seating on the upwardly facing surfaces. A pair of bottom opening, longitudinal channels in the lid web receive the handle members for holding the lid on the handle members before, during and after attachment of the container to the lid. A bail is pivotally mounted to the side walls at the front of the container, the bail having a portion seating on the laterally extending container flanges in its folded position and being received in the guide tracks of the lid when the container is attached.

Abstract: A process for the isomerization of maleic acid, its monoesters and monoamides in the presence of thiourea in anhydrous conditions at elevated temperature to the corresponding fumaryl forms yields intermediates which are useful in the synthetic pathways of aspartame and other useful polypeptides.