Programmed steering means for mowing apparatus or the like

Claim 2

Apparatus for movement in a preplanned route over a given surface area, the apparatus comprising: an apparatus frame with surface engaging support means including a steering support; a steering assembly operatively engaged with the steering support; a work element operatively connected to the frame to perform a given operation on the surface area; and, means, including a programmed information storage member, directly mechanically connected with the steering assembly to turn the apparatus at preselected locations corresponding to the route.

Claim 3

The invention of claim 1, wherein the information storage member comprises a tape.

Claim 4

The invention of claim 1, including means for returning the apparatus to a starting location.

Claim 5

The invention of claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a mowing machine having a trailing cutting mechanism; and, the surface engaging support means comprise drive wheels.

Claim 6

Apparatus for movement in a preplanned route over a given surface area, the apparatus comprising: an apparatus frame with surface engaging support means including a steering support; a steering assembly operatively engaged with the steering support; a work element operatively connected to the frame to perform a given operation on the surface area; and, means, including a programmed information storage member, directly mechanically connected with the steering assembly to turn the apparatus at preselected locations corresponding to the route, said information storage member comprising a tape having a spaced series of control means; said steering assembly including a control system having means cooperative with and responsive to said series of control means to turn the apparatus.

Claim 7

Apparatus for movement in a preplanned route over a given surface area, the apparatus comprising: an apparatus frame with surface engaging support means including a steering support; a steering assembly operatively engaged with the steering support; a work element operatively connected to the frame to perform a given operation on the surface area; and, means, including a programmed information storage member, directly mechanically connected with the steering assembly to turn the apparatus at preselected locations corresponding to the route, said information storage member comprising a tape having a spaced series of control means; said steering assembly including a control system having means cooperative with and responsive to said series of control means to turn the apparatus.

Claim 8

The invention of claim 5, wherein said means cooperative with and responsive to said control means comprises a gearwheel system with at least one gearwheel engageable with said series of control means to turn the apparatus.

Claim 9

The invention of claim 6, wherein said control means comprise openings in said tape; the tape having laterally projecting side extensions with said openings formed therein; and, the gearwheel system including a gearwheel at each side of the tape.

Claim 10

The invention of claim 7, including means interconnecting the gearwheels at opposite sides of the tape, said means providing for equal movement of each opposing wheel in an opposite direction of rotation.

Claim 11

The invention of claim 8, wherein: the apparatus is electrically driven and inclUdes a control circuit; and, a switch in said circuit arranged to stop the winding of the tape upon exhausting of the tape.

Claim 12

The invention of claim 9, wherein: the steering assembly comprises a cable connected for movement with each gearwheel; the cables being secured to a steering yoke; and, the steering yoke being connected to a wheel.

Claim 13

Programmed mowing apparatus for coverage of an area requiring straight movement and turning maneuvers of various angles, the apparatus comprising: a mower frame including frame side members, crossmembers bridging the side members, and a drive axle driving ground wheels on said drive axle; a single steering wheel mounted on a bracket adjacent the forward end of the frame for controlled pivotal movement, the wheel having a forked steering handle thereon with divergent wings; a cutting drum assembly, including mounting arms, and a rotatable reel, the arm being pivoted on the drive axle; motor means having an output shaft with a pulley connected thereto, including an electric motor and a rechargeable battery, mounted on the mower frame; a stub shaft drivingly connected to said output shaft, said stub shaft being mounted on the frame adjacent the motor and supporting a first pulley wheel and a drive belt extended to said drive axle for rotation of the axle and the driving ground wheels, and a second pulley mounted on said stub shaft and drivingly connected to said reel; a steering control system mounted on the frame and comprising a central shaft with two spaced-apart gearwheels thereon and two cable control wheels fixed thereto for movement responsive to gearwheel movement; a cable connecting the control wheels to the respective wings of the steering handle; the steering control system further comprising a forward shaft and a rear shaft, the forward shaft having a takeup spool and a drive pulley thereon, the drive pulley being connected by a drive belt to the pulley wheel on the motor output shaft; the rear shaft having a tape storage wheel thereon; and, a program tape dispensed by the storage reel and wound on the takeup spool, the program tape having a first side aligned with one of the gearwheels and a second side aligned with the other gearwheel, at least one side having a spaced series of control elements engaged by the respective gearwheel wheel and effective to rotate the cable control wheels and thereby turn the steering handle upon said engagement.

Claim 14

Programmed mowing apparatus for coverage of an area requiring straight movement and turning maneuvers of various angles, the apparatus comprising: a mower frame including frame side members, crossmembers bridging the side members, and a drive axle driving ground wheels on said drive axle; a single steering wheel mounted on a bracket adjacent the forward end of the frame for controlled pivotal movement, the wheel having a forked steering handle thereon with divergent wings; a cutting drum assembly, including mounting arms, and a rotatable reel, the arm being pivoted on the drive axle; motor means having an output shaft with a pulley connected thereto, including an electric motor and a rechargeable battery, mounted on the mower frame; a stub shaft drivingly connected to said output shaft, said stub shaft being mounted on the frame adjacent the motor and supporting a first pulley wheel and a drive belt extended to said drive axle for rotation of the axle and the driving ground wheels, and a second pulley mounted on said stub shaft and drivingly connected to said reel; a steering control system mounted on the frame and comprising a central shaft with two spaced-apart gearwheels thereon and two cable control wheels fixed thereto for movement responsive to gearwheel movement; a cable connecting the control wheels to the respective wings of the steering handle; the steering control system further comprising a forward shaft and a rear shaft, the forward shaft having a takeup spool and a drive pulley thereon, the drive pulley being connected by a drive belt to the pulley wheel on the motor output shaft; the rear shaft having a tape storage wheel thereon; and, a program tape dispensed by the storage reel and wound on the takeup spool, the program tape having a first side aligned with one of the gearwheels and a second side aligned with the other gearwheel, at least one side having a spaced series of control elements engaged by the respective gearwheel wheel and effective to rotate the cable control wheels and thereby turn the steering handle upon said engagement.