Hybrid remote control lawn mower

• US 7,318,493 B2
• Filed: 08/05/2004
• Issued: 01/15/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 08/05/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Luis Marcial Medina
• Original Assignee: Luis Marcial Medina
• Inventors: Medina, Luis Marcial
• Primary Examiner(s): PHAN, HAU VAN
• Application Number:
  US10/912,324
• Publication Number:
  US 20050029025A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,258 Days
• Field of Search: 180/167, 180/168, 180/169, 180/6.48, 56/102.R, 56/102.A, 56/105, 56/108, 56D/IG.15, 701/22, 701/23, 701/82
• US Class Current: 180/167
• CPC Class Codes: A01D 34/008 for automated or remotely controlled operation
• CPC Class Codes: A01D 69/02 electric
• CPC Class Codes: A01D 69/025 Electric hybrid systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 1/02 comprising more than one electric motor
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/55 Remote control arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/80 Arrangements for controlling instruments
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 15/2036 Electric differentials, e.g. for supporting steering vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60Y 2200/225 Walk behind vehicles, e.g. motorized wheel barrows
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 1/00 Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/64 Electric machine technologies in electromobility
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/72 Electric energy management in electromobility

Abstract

A remote control lawn mower has two electric DC motors with gear boxes for forward/reverse/turning speed control, a gyro for fast straight line cuts, a brain comprising of microprocessors, a gas engine (typical rating being about 4.5 to 7.5 HP) to cut the grass, and an alternator to generate electricity. All heavy components such as batteries, gas engine should be engineered for optimum balanced in all its proportions. The battery power allows the unit to drive to a designated area then as soon as the engine starts the system generates its own electricity becoming a hybrid. The gas engine provides the mechanical energy for the alternator, and the alternator generates electricity. It is a fast, safe, energy efficient, effortless remote control lawn mower that does not compromise speed or power to cut the lawn.

Claims

1. A hybrid remote control lawn mower comprising:

a frame;

a right rear DC motor rigidly attached to the frame;

a right rear wheel rotatably attached to the right rear DC motor for propelling the hybrid remote control lawn mower;

a left rear DC motor rigidly attached to the frame;

a left rear wheel rotatably attached to the left rear DC motor for propelling the hybrid remote control lawn mower;

a right front free swiveling wheel assembly rotatably attached to the frame;

a left front free swiveling wheel assembly rotatably attached to the frame;

a lawn mower deck adjustably suspended from the frame wherein the lawn mower deck may be raised and lowered relative to the frame;

an engine attached to the lawn mower deck;

a lawn mower blade attached to a rotating shaft of the engine to mow lawn;

an alternator attached to the lawn mower deck for providing electric power;

an alternator belt assembly connecting the alternator with the rotating shaft of the engine;

a battery for storing the electric power;

a voltage regulator for regulating the output voltage of the alternator;

a remote control transmitter that sends steering and speed control signals to a receiver; and

a brain including microprocessors that receive the steering and speed control signals from the receiver and calculates and controls the amount of electric power sent to the right rear DC motor and to the left rear DC motor;

wherein the hybrid remote control lawn mower turns to the right when the brain sends a greater electric current to the left rear DC motor than to the right rear DC motor; and

the hybrid remote control lawn mower turns to the left when the brain send a greater electric current to the right rear DC motor than to the left rear DC motor and wherein the hybrid remote control lawn mower goes straight ahead when the brain sends an equal amount of electric current to the right rear DC motor and the left rear DC motor.

2. The hybrid remote control lawn mower of claim 1, wherein the engine is a gasoline powered engine.

3. The hybrid remote control lawn mower of claim 1 further comprising an electric starter to start the engine, wherein the electric starter is controlled by the remote control transmitter.

4. The hybrid remote control lawn mower of claim 1 further comprising a gyro within the brain to maintain a straight course.

5. The hybrid remote control lawn mower of claim 1 further comprising a lever and elevation plate assembly to provide predetermined fixed height adjustments between the frame and the suspended lawn mower deck.

6. The hybrid remote control lawn mower of claim 1 further including a zero turning radius.

7. The hybrid remote control lawn mower of claim 1 further including a belt tensioning mechanism to maintain an alternator belt tension between the alternator and the rotating shaft of the gasoline engine.