Mtd Products Inc

Aircap Industries Corporation

Robert W Rush

Matthew John Plas

Kenneth R Smith

Michael K Huizenga

Paul Fortlage

A lawn tractor has a pivoting shaft mechanism and a tilt steering mechanism. The lawn tractor includes a frame, a first wheel, a steering implement for steering the wheel, and a power steering pump for use in providing power for the steering of the first wheel. The pivoting shaft mechanism includes a steering shaft having a first end that is connected to the steering implement and that is pivotable about its second end. The pivoting shaft mechanism also includes a pin operatively connected to the second end of the steering shaft, a connecting shaft having a first end operatively connected to the second end of the steering shaft and a second end operatively connected to the power steering pump, and a pivot coupling for translating rotational motion from the pin to the first end of the connecting shaft. The tilt steering mechanism includes an index member for indexing the steering shaft in any one of a plurality of tilt positions, a tilt lever for use in adjusting the steering shaft into any one of the plurality of tilt positions, and a carrier for use in pivoting the tilt lever. The index member moves with the steering shaft as the steering shaft is tilt adjusted.

Tilt steering mechanism and method

A reversible taillight assembly that can be used on either the right or left side of a vehicle. The taillight assembly includes a lens housing, a bracket, a lens and a spring clip. The lens housing has a parabolic configuration and accepts a lens at either its left or right hand side. The bracket can be used on either the right or left hand side of the vehicle by simply rotating the bracket 180.degree.. The lens fits within the lens housing after removing the portion of the front face of the lens housing depending upon which side the assembly is attached to. A method for reversing the taillight assembly is also provided. The method contains the steps of rotating the taillight fixture 180.degree. about its z-axis, replacing a first lens portion, removing a second lens portion, and placing a lens in the lens housing. The lens will be placed in the hole that remains from the removal of the second lens portion.

Reversible taillight assembly

A control system for controlling an associated device includes a vacuum actuator, connecting means for operatively connecting the vacuum actuator to the associated device, vacuum means for providing a vacuum to the vacuum actuator, and activating means for selectively electrically activating the vacuum actuator. To engage an associated PTO shaft, an operator switches an electric switch opening a control valve and activating a vacuum actuator. Next a clutch arm is pivoted causing a brake arm to take a PTO pulley out of braking engagement and forcing an idler pulley into operative engagement with a PTO belt. This connects the PTO pulley with a drive pulley thereby rotating the PTO shaft. When the PTO is to be disengaged, the brake arm is effective to stop the motion of the implement driven by the PTO, and to stop the implement within a very short time.

Electrically activated vacuum actuator

A slide valve is disclosed utilizing simple straight through drilled holes in the body of the valve in combination with a machined central fluid return passage and extensions off of the cylinder grooves in the valve slide.

Slide actuation valve

A control for an electrical tool, particulary of the garden tool type, comprises a housing containing an electrical switch having a projecting actuator and a handle assembly for switching the electrical switch from a deactivated condition to an activated condition by contact with the actuator. The handle assembly comprises an elongated handle projecting from the housing and pivotably attached to the housing by a pivot with one end of the handle adjacent to one side of the actuator. The handle assembly also includes an elongated trigger pivotably attached to the handle with an end projecting outside the housing and the other end adjacent to another side of the switch actuator. The handle further includes a spring biasing the handle and therefore the actuator towards the adjacent end of the trigger.

Growing community of inventors

Amherst, OH, United States of America

Robert W Rush