The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 12, 1996
Filed:
Feb. 03, 1994
Dana R Lonn, Minneapolis, MN (US);
The Toro Company, Minneapolis, MN (US);
Abstract
The present invention provides for an automated supervisor switch device for maintaining an acceptable ground speed during cutting operations for a turf mower. The present invention does not interfere with the ground speed of the vehicle during cutting or non-cutting operations. In a preferred embodiment, an onboard controller and its attendant memory are provided with a predetermined maximum mowing speed. Second, the controller monitors the ground speed of the mower. Third, when the controller determines that the cutting reels are operative and the ground speed is approaching the maximum mowing speed of the mower, then operator perceptible warning is actuated to alert the operator. Fourth, if the speed exceeds the predetermined maximum mowing speed, then the controller disables the reels from mowing. In the preferred embodiment, the controller disables the reels by shutting off the hydraulic fluid flow from the hydraulic motors which rotate the cutting reels. Fifth, the operator is forced to take certain corrective action to re-enable the cutting reels. In the preferred embodiment, the operator is forced to move the cutting reel engagement lever to its on position.