2816 results about "Lawn mower" patented technology

A riding lawnmower includes left and right wheels, at least one caster wheel, a lawnmower blade or reel, and a control section. The left and right wheels are independently driven by electric rotary machines to travel. The lawnmower blade or reel is driven for mowing. The control section, in response to turn instruction input by a turn operator, controls the left and right wheels according to preset standard setting conditions, or according to deceleration setting conditions which differ from the standard setting conditions, under which at least one of a vehicle movement speed and vehicle turning speed is decelerated more than under standard setting conditions. The riding lawnmower includes a section designating either standard setting conditions or deceleration setting conditions. In a riding lawnmower, left and right wheels are caused to turn around a turn center position corresponding to a turn instruction according to designated setting conditions.

The invention relates to an intelligent mower system and an intelligent mowing method thereof. The intelligent mower system comprises a mower, a camera device arranged on the mower, sensors arranged on the mower, a boundary electronic fence and a charging station. In a mowing area defined by the boundary electronic fence, the intelligent mower finishes recognition of mowing conditions in a current local range, achieves intelligent mowing of a lawn in the area, and conducts shielding, boundary control and automatic return charging by using the camera device arranged on the mower and a mowing motor current detecting device and by integrating monocular vision technology and data of all the sensors. The method enables the intelligent mower to conduct different mowing actions according to conditions of lawn density and distribution and the like in the area, and therefore mowing efficiency is improved, service life of the intelligent mower is prolonged, energy consumption is saved, and independency of the mower is improved.

A drive system which integrates an electric generator, one or more electric motors and an electronic control module is configured as a variable speed drive in either single, dual or four wheeled traction drive configurations for a mower. The generator is mechanically driven by the output shaft of an internal combustion engine to generate the electrical power for energizing the electric motors. A central computer in the electronic control module controls the output voltage of the generator and the speed and torque of each of the motors in the drive system. The speed input signal for the motors can be analog signals that come from sources such as a joystick, a potentiometer mounted on a steering wheel, control panel, foot pedal or remote location or digital signals from a digital device. Position / speed detectors on each motor and the generator send signals back to the central computer for closed-loop control of the generator and of the motors. The generator supplies the DC voltage to the power control board for each motor as commanded by the central computer. The rotor of each motor is connected to a gearbox for speed reduction and increased torque that is applied to the wheel mounted on the output shaft of the gearbox. When the motors are not being driven, the generator may optionally supply DC power to the input of an inverter that has an output to standard electric utility AC outlets that can be used to power auxiliary equipment.

A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain.

A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain.

The mower front independent suspension assembly in some embodiments of the present invention includes a first suspension arm connected to the front of the lawn mower frame and a second suspension arm connected to the side of the lawn mower frame. In some embodiments, the first suspension arm is connected to the front of the frame at or near the longitudinal center of the frame, while the second suspension arm is connected to the side of the frame a distance from the front of the frame. Also, in some embodiments the cutter deck of the lawn mower is connected to the front independent suspension assemblies for movement therewith.

A lawn mower having selectively drivable wheels, includes dirigible front drive wheels, a pair of right and left rear drive wheels, a body frame, an engine supported by the body frame, a mower unit vertically movably supported by the body frame forwardly of the rear drive wheels, a change speed device for changing a speed of drive from the engine, a front wheel driving device for transmitting drive from the change speed device to the front wheels, a left rear wheel driving device for transmitting drive from the change speed device to a right axle of the left rear wheel, a right rear wheel driving device for transmitting drive from the change speed device to a left axle of the left rear wheel, and rear wheel clutches associated with the left rear wheel driving device and the right rear wheel driving device, respectively, for selectively connecting and disconnecting drive. The rear wheel clutches are operable by an interlocking mechanism in response to a displacement to the front drive wheels from a straight running posture, to disconnect drive transmission to one of the rear drive wheels moving along an inner track of turning of the vehicle body. The interlocking mechanism has a link mechanism operatively connecting a steering mechanism for steering the front drive wheels to each of the rear wheel clutches, and extending over the mower unit.

A lawn mower has a power source for rotationally driving an output shaft. A housing has an interior space having a generally spiral-shaped portion. A cutting blade is disposed in the interior space of the housing and is connected to the output shaft for rotation therewith to cut grass while the spiral-shaped portion of the interior space generates a swirling airflow allowing the cut grass to swirl within the interior space. An enclosure is connected to the housing and has a grass discharge passage having an inlet opening disposed in communication with the interior space of the housing for discharging grass cut by the cutting blade and swirling within the interior space of the housing. A guiding member is disposed in the interior space of the housing for gradually changing a direction of the swirling airflow and the swirling cut grass and for guiding the swirling airflow and the swirling cut grass toward the grass discharge passage of the enclosure.

A steam combustion engine is improved from a conventional internal combustion engine by replacing spark plugs with water injection spark plugs, which inject small amount of boiling water into combustion chamber at the beginning of the fuel burning cycle if the engine temperature reaches preset limit. A steam combustion engine controller monitors the temperature of the engine, intercepts and alters fuel injection signal, turns on and off water injection solenoid at the right timing with the right amount. The apparatus can convert conventional vehicle into a steam combustion engine vehicle, reducing fuel consumption and emission by taking advantage of the waste heat and turning water into steam to generate extra useful work. This steam combustion engine can reach 40% efficiency instead of 20% in existing internal combustion engine. This apparatus can be used in any Otto cycle combustion engines found in electric generators, lawn mower, etc besides in most vehicles.

A combine harvester has a straw chopper attached to a rear hood behind the rear edge of the sieve assembly with a chaff guide system to bypass the chaff in front of the chopper and a straw guide system to bypass the straw above the chopper and over the tailboard. The chopper has a housing with a feed opening into which straw and / or chaff can be fed depending upon the positions of the chaff guide system and the straw guide system. A chopping assembly mounted in the housing discharges through a discharge opening through onto the tailboard having a plurality of guide fins for spreading. The housing bottom wall has a pivotal adjustment portion to allow chaff entering the feed opening and engaging the chopping assembly to discharge from the housing at a discharge position different from the discharge opening for spreading onto a supplementary spreading device.

Provided is an all-electric riding greens mower. The mower includes a frame which is supported for movement upon a plurality of ground engaging wheels and upon which are supported a modularly interchangeable power source and a plurality of reel lawn mowers. An electric motor provides driving torque to enable movement of the mower between and over golf course greens or other surfaces to be mowed, electric motors provide driving torque for each of the reel lawn mowers. The interchangeable power source provides electrical energy for driving the electric motors, including the primary mover and the electrical motors for the reel type lawn mowers. The modularly interchangeable power sources may comprise a bank of batteries, a motor / generator set, a fuel cell, or a combination of these. The power source may be easily exchanged in the field for another, freshly charged power source. Exchange occurs using either a fixed change stand or a mobile change stand. The change stands are configured to facilitate exchange by reducing friction caused by the generally weighty power source. The power source is delivered to the fixed stand on towable trailers.

A blade with an easily and economically maintainable cutting edge for cutting vegetation in a rotary cutting machine such as in a lawnmower or brush cutter is described. A blade assembly is comprised of an elongated blade with replaceable inserts that enhance the cutting and mulching functions of the rotary cutting machine. The replaceable inserts are installed at a skew angle and provide an easily maintainable cutting edge that has geometrically shaped fingers that provide both a chopping and a slicing action that enhances the cutting performance of the blade assembly. Mulching blades re-cut the vegetation severed by the shaped fingers into smaller pieces before the vegetation exits the rotary cutting machine to minimize or eliminate the need to pick up the cut vegetation while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing final cut. Each replaceable insert has a safety connector that prevents the dislodging of the replaceable insert from the blade assembly during operation in the event that fasteners fail during operation. An integral blade is also anticipated that has geometrically shaped fingers installed at a skew angle that provide both a chopping and a slicing action.

A lockable lift assembly for controlling the height of a mower cutting deck is provided. The assembly includes a pedal actuated system including a rockshaft extending the width of the mower frame and having plates on which the deck is carried as a change in height is either performed or maintained. Intermediate these extensions is a toothed plate which cooperates with a handle operated latching system to permit a user to fixedly control the height of the cutting deck. Joint use of the pedal and latching system enables placement of the deck in a position wherein the deck is raised above the highest heighth of cut for travel across the ground or, alternatively, in a removal position in which the deck may be securely and quickly detached from the mower.

A collapsible, yard bag insert is disclosed, designed to allow a user to easily empty lawn mower bag clippings into traditional paper yard refuse bags. The collapsible, yard bag insert comprises a sturdy open-top, open-bottom plastic insert, designed to be placed inside of the yard refuse bag. Hand holes are molded into it to allow one to carry it. The collapsible, yard bag insert is collapsible in design, so as to facilitate ease of insertion and removal from the refuse bag.

Attachable to a rotary lawnmower shaft is a body assembly of a rectangular shape having a removable and reversible blade on each end. The blades are easily and quickly removed, reversed, and replaced without tools. The blades are locked in position by a unique and simple locking device. During operation of the mower, the centrifugal force of the rotating body assembly further locks the blades in place for additional safety. When the body assembly is in rotation, the blades are designed to create air turbulence which causes the cut grass clippings to exit the lawnmower.

A vehicle transmission having a pair of left and right HSTs for driving respective axles is applicable for a riding lawn mower. The transmission comprises a center casing incorporating a distributing drive train. In the fore-and-aft direction, an input shaft of the distributing drive train projects from the center casing toward a prime mover, and a PTO shaft for driving a mower unit projects from the center casing opposite to the prime mover. A pair of left and right deceleration drive train casings for incorporating respective deceleration gear trains and supporting the respective axles are disposed on respective left and right sides of the center casing. A pair of left and right stepless transmission mechanisms, each of which is drivingly interposed between the distributing drive train and each of the deceleration gear trains in the deceleration gear train casings, are mounted on left and right side portions of the center casing opposite to the prime mover in the fore-and-aft direction.

A lawn and garden sprayer designed for homeowners, landscapers, and lawn-care professionals for the application of liquid organic fertilizers and soil amendments on small to medium sized yards and business landscapes. The lawn and garden sprayer is a lawn mower-like system that holds up to 8 gallons of water soluble fertilizers and soil nutrients which can be dispensed evenly, economically and easily through either two spray nozzles located in front of the front tires which provide a 24 inch overlapping spray directly to the turf, or by a wand sprayer attached to a pump by a 20 foot hose used to spray directly on trees, shrubs, plants, and beds.

A riding lawnmower with a chassis having a rear portion with two rear wheels, and a cutting blade deck having one or more rotary blades. Batteries are positioned in a U-shaped array around the right side, left side, and rear end of the chassis, above and near the rear wheels to maintain a low center of gravity. The weight of the batteries is evenly distributed over the rear wheels to maintain balance. The batteries are connected in series to each other and to an electric motor. The electric motor is positioned within a central portion of the U-shaped array of batteries. A single electric motor drives both the rotary cutting blades and the rear wheels, which is made possible by placing the batteries near and above the rear wheels, and by positioning the electric motor under the seat.

A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain.

In an apparatus for controlling an unmanned autonomous operating vehicle having an electric motor supplied with power from a battery for operating lawn mower blades, and magnetic sensors for detecting intensity of a magnetic field of an area wire such that the vehicle is controlled to run about in an operating area defined by the area wire to mow lawn using the blades and to return to a charging device installed on the area wire so as to charge the battery, a distance from the area wire is detected based on the detected intensity of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensors, and a different one of returning trajectories defined along the area wire in advance with respect to distances from the area wire is selected, whenever the vehicle is to be returned.

A mower includes a zero turn radius (ZTR) traction unit carrying a front mounted cutting deck. The cutting deck is suspended beneath a carrier frame by a height of cut adjustment system comprising a plurality of pivot links and suspension chains extending between the carrier frame and the cutting deck. A hydraulic cylinder coupled to one of the pivot links can simultaneously lift the chains or permit the chains to lower to change the height of the cutting deck relative to the carrier frame. This same cylinder can also fold the carrier frame and the cutting deck relative to the traction unit about a fold pivot axis when a fold latch is selectively released by the operator. The carrier frame includes a center step for helping the operator mount or dismount the traction unit. The center step has a front view-port for allowing an operator who is seated on the traction unit to view the front edge of the cutting deck.

A portable implement for providing a source of electrical energy, where the implement has an electric generator with a drive shaft rotatable about a shaft axis and at least one set of electrical output leads, a support housing with a lower ground engaging base, an upper support plate with a central access opening, a bracket in the housing to mount the generator with the shaft axis extending generally vertically through the access opening and a platform on the housing to fixedly attach a standard lawn mower with a cutter blade rotatable about a blade axis onto the housing with the blade axis extending generally parallel to and generally aligned with the shaft axis. A universal shaft coupling carried by the drive shaft and extending through the access opening, which coupling has a lower section connected to the drive shaft for rotation about the shaft axis and an upper section with a nest to receive the cutter for rotation of the upper section about the blade axis.

PCT No. PCT / US96 / 13362 Sec. 371 Date Aug. 17, 1995 Sec. 102(e) Date Aug. 17, 1995 PCT Filed Aug. 16, 1996 PCT Pub. No. WO97 / 06664 PCT Pub. Date Feb. 27, 1997An apparatus and a method for cutting vegetation and simultaneously treating the remaining stems of the cut vegetation with a treatment fluid. The apparatus includes a mower, a cutting blade drive rotatably mounted on the mower, a blade carrier secured to the rotatable drive, and at least one cutting blade assembly rotatably mounted on the blade carrier. The apparatus further includes a fluid container for containing the treatment fluid in a plurality of interconnected, stackable and removable fluid container cells, a pumping device for pumping the treatment fluid to the at least one cutting blade assembly, a flow control device for metering the amount of treatment fluid that is pumped to the at least one cutting blade assembly, and a fluid conduit device for delivering the treatment fluid from the fluid container to the cutting and treating device. 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.

A control system for a lawnmower includes a handlebar connected to the lawmnower for controlling direction and speed of travel of the lawmower based on a position of the handlebar relative to the lawnmower. The control system is connected to a drive system of the lawnmower such that changing the elevation of the handlebar adjusts operation of a number of wheel drive units and turning of the handlebar relative to the lawnmower adjusts operation of one wheel drive unit relative to another wheel drive unit.