Mtd Products Inc

Jay E Maggard

Aaron D Smith

Ryan W Maibach

Gregory Gorsage

Ryan Cmich

Her-Jye Chang

Michael E Harrison

Adam Woodrum

Adam Hiller

Jonathan Prybor

Zachary A Lyzen

Kevin Meister

Paul Crawford

Aaron Smith

David Kelly

A system and method for differential traction drive and steering axis coordination for an autonomous mower or other turf device includes initiating a steering motion based on determining a target forward speed and a steering rotational speed, calculating a left wheel speed and a right wheel speed, and applying the left and right wheel speeds, wherein the steering rotational speed is driven by a steering motor and the traction wheels associated with the autonomous mower, and the left and right wheel speeds are based on the target forward speed, a distance from a steering axle to the center of the respective wheel, and the steering rotational speed.

Differential traction drive and steering axis coordination system and method

Mechanical infinitely variable transmissions (IVTs) and vehicles employing such IVTs are discussed. The IVT can comprise a planetary gearset with a sun gear driven based on an input angular velocity and an annulus gear driven based on a combination of the input angular velocity and a variable gear ratio of a pulley system, wherein the variable gear ratio of the pulley system can be electrically controlled by an actuator. A drive element can be driven based on a carrier of the planetary gearset.

Mechanical infinitely variable transmission for outdoor power equipment

A drive-by-wire steering system for a power equipment device is provided. One example embodiment comprises a steering interface system, a power steering system, and a communication link connecting the steering interface system and power steering system. The power steering system can adjust steering angle of wheels of the power equipment device based on inputs received from the steering interface system. The steering interface system can receive user inputs and provide powered feedback and/or a simulated caster effect via a steering interface. Additional embodiments include power equipment devices and steering interface systems.

Jogwheel device and powered feedback and caster effect for drive-by-wire jogwheel design

A removably attached operator control unit for controlling operation of an outdoor power equipment machine includes an operator control unit housing, a first joystick and a second joystick extending from an upper housing portion, the first and second joysticks being configured to communicate control actions to a control circuit of the operator control unit, and at least one switch configured to communicate control actions to the control circuit, wherein the control circuit is operable to receive control actions resulting from actuations of the joysticks, and switch and to communicate utilizing an interface arranged between the operator control unit and the outdoor power equipment machine, and when secured to the outdoor power equipment machine, the operator control unit is located at a height that is within about an arm's length or less of an operator standing immediately adjacent to the outdoor power equipment machine.

Operator control system for an outdoor power equipment machine

A non-rotatable shaft/hub connection, providing a shaft having a tapered end and a bore, the tapered end having at least two angled faces; a hub having a tapered opening and an aperture, wherein the tapered opening is configured to receive the tapered end, the tapered opening provides at least two tapered portions. The non-rotatable shaft/hub connection provides an anti-backlash shaft/hub interface, having a shaft adapted to be rotatably driven about an axis of rotation, the shaft having a tapered end providing a tapered, double-D configuration; and a hub, having an opening configured to receive the double-D configuration of the tapered end.

Non-rotatable shaft/hub connection

An autonomous mobile work system () includes a drive wheel () that is connected to a frame () and a rotating blade assembly (). The rotating blade assembly () includes a blade assembly axis of rotation () and is connected to the frame () within a housing (). The mobile work system () further includes a single motor () operably connected to the blade assembly (). The motor () includes a motor output shaft () and the motor output shaft () includes an output shaft axis of rotation (). The mobile work system () still further includes a gear box () operably connected to the drive wheel () and the motor output shaft (). The single motor () urges rotation of both the rotating blade assembly () and the drive wheel (). The gear box () can include a planetary gear set () including a ring gear () defining cavities () at its outside diameter (). A locking shaft () can rotate between an engaged position and a disengaged position with one of the cavities ().

Autonomous mower cutting systems

Robotic mower

An optical sensor housing includes a sensor housing body including an enclosure wall upstanding from a bottom portion and a substantially open top portion defining a cavity in which the optical sensor assembly is located, one or more apertures, and one or more engaging parts projecting orthogonally from an outside surface of the sensor housing body, a sensor housing cover including an open central portion, one or more integrally molded compliant flanges configured to engage the sensor housing body engaging part and to secure the sensor housing cover to the sensor housing body, and longitudinal ridges extending outwardly and disposed substantially along the length of the sensor housing cover. The sensor housing engaging parts and flanges can provide a quick-lock mechanism operable to secure the sensor housing cover to the sensor housing body without the use of tools or fasteners.

Optical sensor housing

Robotic mower body

An optical sensor housing includes a sensor housing body including an enclosure wall upstanding from a bottom portion and a substantially open top portion defining a cavity in which the optical sensor assembly is located, at least one aperture, and at least one engaging part projecting orthogonally from an outside surface of the sensor housing body, a sensor housing cover including an open central portion, at least one integrally molded compliant flange configured to engage the sensor housing body engaging part and to secure the sensor housing cover to the sensor housing body, and longitudinal ridges extending outwardly and disposed substantially along the length of the sensor housing cover. The sensor housing engaging parts and flanges can provide a quick-lock mechanism operable to secure the sensor housing cover to the sensor housing body without the use of tools or fasteners.

Sensor housing

Portable power supply

A vertical tine tiller having vertically oriented tine assemblies that are configured to rotate about vertical axes is provided. The tiller includes a power source that drives a horizontally-aligned driveshaft, which can selectively drive a transmission assembly. Horizontal rotation of the driveshaft is directly transferred into vertical rotation of a pair of drive rods to which the tine assemblies are attached.

Growing community of inventors

Polk, OH, United States of America

Jay E Maggard