The Toro Company

Peter M Arendt

Alexander Steven Frick

Chris A Wadzinski

Aaron Y Curtis

Jackie Ray Gust

Jesse Richard Gamble

Jason Thomas Kraft

Clark S Papke

Merle W Gaedy

Gregory S Janey

A ground working vehicle having a vehicle frame () is disclosed. An implement () is coupled to the vehicle frame () and extends between a first implement end and a second implement end. The implement () is adjusted to alter the rake angle between the first and second implement ends, to modify internal dimensions of the implement (), and/or to include a kick-down baffle. Further, the implement () may be adjusted manually, remotely, or automatically. For example, one or more actuators () can be coupled to the implement () to adjust as desired by the user. Further, one or controllers () can automatically adjust the implement (). Specifically, the implement () is adjusted to optimize operating parameters such as, e.g., runtime of the vehicle and/or quality of cut.

Ground working vehicle with adjustable implement

A system for use with an autonomous working machine such as a robotic lawn mower. The system may allow communication (directly or indirectly) between the machine and a gate or other barrier opening to allow unattended or remotely-controlled passage of the machine through the gate. In some embodiments, the mower may include a vision system operable to detect unknown objects within an area adjacent to the gate.

Barrier passage system for autonomous working machine

A walk power mower comprises a housing having an upwardly and rearwardly extending handle that is gripped by an operator. A load cell is responsive to the force applied by the operator to the handle during a grass mowing operation. Input from the load cell is used by a control system to vary the ground speed of the mower in accordance with the sensed operator applied force through control of an electric traction drive motor.

Walk power mower with ground speed responsive to force applied to a handle grip by the operator

An outdoor unit has a frame that carries a ground grooming or working implement, a traction drive, and a cooling fan, all of which comprises loads on a prime mover. A power management controller automatically reduces an operational speed of the traction drive when prime mover droop is present. The cooling fan cools two cooling fluids. The controller stores data representing variable fan speeds for cooling each cooling fluid in both normal and above normal temperature ranges and for use when prime mover droop is present. The controller uses the highest fan speed required for cooling the cooling fluids in the normal range unless the droop fan speed is lower in which case the lower droop fan speed is used but only to the extent that the lower droop fan speed is not lower than the highest fan speed required for cooling the cooling fluids in the above normal temperature range.

Growing community of inventors

Richfield, MN, United States of America

Peter M Arendt