Vacuum actuated control mechanism
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A mower comprising:
- a frame;
cutting blades operatively mounted to said frame;
an engine operatively mounted to said frame;
a device that requires control; and
,a vacuum actuated control mechanism for controlling said device, said vacuum actuated control mechanism including,1) a first vacuum actuator having a movable membrane;
2) first connecting means for operatively connecting said movable membrane to said device;
3) vacuum means for providing a vacuum to said first vacuum actuator;
4) activating means for selectively activating said first vacuum actuator; and
,5) securing means for selectively securing said moveable membrane in place thereby selectively securing said device in place.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A riding lawn mower is provided that has an engine, a device that requires control and a vacuum actuated control mechanism for controlling the device. The vacuum actuated control mechanism includes a vacuum actuator having first and second chambers separated by a movable membrane, first connecting means for operatively connecting the vacuum actuator to the device, vacuum means for providing a vacuum to the vacuum actuator, activating means for selectively activating the vacuum actuator and securing means for securing the vacuum actuator in place. The securing means also secures the device in place.
44 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A mower comprising:
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a frame; cutting blades operatively mounted to said frame; an engine operatively mounted to said frame; a device that requires control; and
,a vacuum actuated control mechanism for controlling said device, said vacuum actuated control mechanism including, 1) a first vacuum actuator having a movable membrane; 2) first connecting means for operatively connecting said movable membrane to said device; 3) vacuum means for providing a vacuum to said first vacuum actuator; 4) activating means for selectively activating said first vacuum actuator; and
,5) securing means for selectively securing said moveable membrane in place thereby selectively securing said device in place. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A mower comprising:
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an engine; a mower deck having cutting blades; a lift assembly for use in lifting said mower deck; and
,a vacuum actuated control mechanism for controlling the height of said mower deck, said vacuum actuated control mechanism including, 1) a first vacuum actuator, 2) first connecting means for operatively connecting said first vacuum actuator to said lift assembly, 3) vacuum means for providing a vacuum to said first vacuum actuator, 4) activating means for selectively activating said first vacuum actuator and, 5) securing means for securing said first vacuum actuator in place thereby securing said mower deck at a selected height. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for controlling the height of a mower deck comprising the steps of:
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providing a mower having an engine, a mower deck having cutting blades, and a lift assembly for use in lifting the mower deck; providing a vacuum actuator having first and second chambers separated by a moveable membrane into operative connection with the lift assembly and with the mower; removing a vacuum from the first chamber of the vacuum actuator; establishing a vacuum within the second chamber of the vacuum actuator; and
,adjusting the height of the mower deck. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
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12. A mower comprising:
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an engine; cutting blades; a drive axle, said drive axle providing locomotion for the mower; a drive system, said drive system selectively transferring power from said engine to said drive axle; and
,a vacuum actuated control mechanism for controlling the speed of the mower, said vacuum actuated control mechanism including, 1) a first vacuum actuator having a movable membrane; 2) first connecting means for operatively connecting said movable membrane to said drive system; 3) vacuum means for providing a vacuum to said first vacuum actuator; 4) activating means for selectively activating said first vacuum actuator; and
,5) securing means for selectively securing said moveable membrane in place thereby selectively securing a constant speed for said drive axle. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for controlling the speed of a mower comprising the steps of:
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providing a mower having an engine, a mower deck having cutting blades, a drive axle for providing locomotion for the mower, and a drive system for selectively transferring power from the engine to the drive axle; providing a vacuum actuator having first and second chambers separated by a moveable membrane into operative connection With the drive system and with the mower; removing vacuum from the first chamber of the vacuum actuator; establishing a vacuum within the second chamber of the vacuum actuator; and
,adjusting the speed of the mower. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification