Abstract:
The disclosed mulcher has a base unit and a shredding blade in a removable assembly. Two different embodiments are disclosed. In both embodiments, shredded material is removed from air exiting the shredding blade before it reaches an exhaust port. In one embodiment, the material is removed by a filter. In the other embodiment, walls are arranged so that debris must double back against high-speed airflow leaving the shredding blade before exiting the unit. The shredding blade can be mounted in front of and on the same shaft as an air impeller, with the back surface of the shredding blade being supported by the impeller. In another embodiment, the air impeller and the shredding blade are carried in assemblies that are separable from each other and are each separately attachable to a base unit. A detachable power module and a detachable blower are also shown. The power module has a safety switch that disables the power module when it is removed. A power receptacle is shown with a switch that alternately switches power to either the shredder motor or to the power receptacle, but not to both simultaneously.
Abstract:
A system and method of restarting a switched reluctance motor after a cycling of power provided to the motor is provided that includes receiving at the motor a power-off signal followed by a power-on signal, determining a rotational speed of a rotor, and energizing a stator only when the rotational speed of the rotor is determined to be less than a threshold speed.
Abstract:
A vacuum head assembly is disclosed which includes a vacuum head detachably connected to a secondary head, which is designed to carry an electrostatic cloth. The secondary head assumes a horizontal position behind the vacuum head so that the scoop of the vacuum head moves across the surface to be cleaned first followed by the secondary head, equipped with the electrostatic cloth. The cloth thus engages the floor after the scoop of the vacuum head. The secondary head carrying the electrostatic cloth may be easily connected to and disconnected from the vacuum head thereby rendering the vacuum head suitable for both hard and soft (i.e., carpeted) surfaces.
Abstract:
An electric motor is described in which a first magnet wire forms a first pole of the coil, is disposed across two terminals of a fuse, and terminates at a first end on a power switch. The portion of the first magnet wire between the terminals of the fuse is severed such that all current of the motor must travel through the conductor of the fuse. The second end of the first magnet wire terminates at dual tang terminal disposed on the brush housing.
Abstract:
Improved massage devices are disclosed. The massage devices comprise a housing having a hollow chamber for containing a fluid. The housing comprises a first member, an opposite second member and a plurality of lobes. Each one of the plurality of lobes has a hollow portion. Each one of the plurality of lobes is coupled to the first member and the opposite second member. A portion of the first member defines a plurality of protuberances. An inner portion of the first member and an inner portion of the second member define a gap located between the first member and the second member. The hollow chamber is defined by the gap and the contiguous hollow portion of each one of the plurality of lobes. The fluid contained in the housing of the massage devices is heated or cooled to produce enhanced massaging relief for a body of a person.
Abstract:
A circuit breaker includes a normally open switch having first and second contacts and a movable leaf spring supporting the first contact. The leaf spring is normally oriented in a first position wherein the first contact is not in electrical contact with the second contact. The leaf spring is deformable into a second position wherein the first contact is in electrical contact with the second contact. An armature is movable between an open and a closed position and is located adjacent an electric coil which generates a magnetic field which moves the armature into the closed position when the coil is energized. The leaf spring biases the armature into its open position when the coil is not energized. The armature causes the leaf spring to deform into the second position, so as to place the first contact into electrical contact with the second contact, when the coil is energized. A housing for the circuit breaker is also provided, and the circuit breaker is a modular unit which may be assembled and tested before being installed in the housing. The housing has an aperture or window for viewing the position of the armature.