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Lawnmower tilt sensor apparatus and method

  • US 6,983,583 B2
  • Filed: 02/18/2004
  • Issued: 01/10/2006
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/21/2003
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A riding lawnmower comprising:

  • a frame;

    an engine supported by the frame;

    a mower deck supported by the frame;

    a rotating cutting blade disposed below the mower deck;

    a PTO coupling the engine and the rotating cutting blade to rotationally drive the cutting blade;

    a drive system connected to the frame and coupled to the engine for driving the lawnmower;

    a tilt sensor for sensing a tilt angle representing the orientation of the lawnmower with respect to a horizontal level plane, the PTO being disengaging from the engine to stop rotation of the cutting blade when the tilt angle exceeds a pre-determined limit angle, the drive system remaining operable to drive the lawnmower when the PTO is disengaged to stop rotation of the cutting blade;

    a CPU coupled to the tilt sensor, the tilt sensor providing a check signal to the CPU when the tilt angle exceeds a pre-determined check angle, the tilt sensor providing a limit signal to the CPU when the tilt angle exceeds the limit angle, the limit angle being greater than the check angle; and

    a signal indicator providing a notice signal being at least one of an audible signal and a visual signal in response to the CPU receiving the check signal.

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