Supervisor switch for turf mower
US5497604A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 3, 1994 |
| Grant date | Mar 12, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 3, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01D2101/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.