In accordance with one embodiment, a machine for generating electrical energy comprises a housing and a shaft rotatable with respect to the housing. An impeller has blades for rotation with the shaft in response to receipt of material from a chute. A first generator assembly comprises first stator windings associated with the housing and a first magnet affixed to the shaft, such that if the impeller rotates an electromagnetic signal energizes the first stator windings based on the flow of material through the chute.

Apparatus and methods for cooling controller assemblies for electric utility vehicles are disclosed. Auxiliary implements powered by electric motors onboard a utility vehicle create airflow that is captured and directed to provide increased ambient airflow across heat sinks used to dissipate heat from heat generating components. Airflow across heated surfaces is further created by vehicle movement and vacuum pressure. Fins and other heat dissipating architecture are employed. Features of the cooling systems enable increased controller assembly functionality and/or decreased controller assembly package size.

An automated system for moving a crop harvester relative to an obstacle in a crop field. The system includes a sensor that is configured to sense a presence of the obstacle in the crop field, and transmit a signal corresponding to the presence of the obstacle. A motor is configured to move the crop harvester relative to the agricultural vehicle. A controller is configured to activate the motor based upon the signal received from the sensor and thereby move the crop harvester relative to the agricultural vehicle to prevent physical contact between crop harvester and the obstacle.

An automated system for moving a crop harvester relative to an obstacle in a crop field. The system includes a sensor that is configured to sense a presence of the obstacle in the crop field, and transmit a signal corresponding to the presence of the obstacle. A motor is configured to move the crop harvester relative to the agricultural vehicle. A controller is configured to activate the motor based upon the signal received from the sensor and thereby move the crop harvester relative to the agricultural vehicle to prevent physical contact between crop harvester and the obstacle.

An electric work vehicle includes: a battery pack that is arranged between a left rear wheel arranged outside of a left frame and a right rear wheel arranged outside of a right frame, the front end of the battery pack being located forward of an axle center of a rear wheel unit; a left motor that is arranged above the battery pack, in the periphery of the left rear wheel, receives a supply of power from the battery pack, and transmits rotational power to the left rear wheel; and a right motor that is arranged above the battery pack, in the periphery of the right rear wheel, receives a supply of power from the battery pack, and transmits rotational power to the right rear wheel.

A drive and control system for a utility vehicle includes a CAN-Bus network and a vehicle control module operable to communicate signals to and from one or more components via the CAN-Bus network. The system includes first and second electric actuators with first and second electronic drive modules, respectively. The system includes a steering and drive input device and a steering and drive sensor module operable to post on the CAN-Bus network a steering and drive input command. The vehicle control module processes the steering and drive input command and post on the CAN-Bus network a steering and drive output command. The first and second electronic drive modules process and convert the steering and drive output command to appropriate first and second actuator commands to drive the first and second electric actuators to obtain the desired speed and direction of motion of the utility vehicle.

A drive and control system for a utility vehicle includes a CAN-Bus network and a vehicle control module operable to communicate signals to and from one or more components via the CAN-Bus network. The system includes first and second electric actuators with first and second electronic drive modules, respectively. The system includes a steering and drive input device and a steering and drive sensor module operable to post on the CAN-Bus network a steering and drive input command. The vehicle control module processes the steering and drive input command and post on the CAN-Bus network a steering and drive output command. The first and second electronic drive modules process and convert the steering and drive output command to appropriate first and second actuator commands to drive the first and second electric actuators to obtain the desired speed and direction of motion of the utility vehicle.

A modular power unit (2; 200) for use with a power tool (1; 101; 102; 103) is provided. The modular power unit comprises a housing (3, 5, 7; 201); a motor (24); and a controller (23) arranged to control an operation of the motor (24), wherein the motor and the controller are at least partially enclosed by the housing. A power tool comprising the modular power unit is also provided.

A modular power unit (2; 200) for use with a power tool (1; 101; 102; 103) is provided. The modular power unit comprises a housing (3, 5, 7; 201); a motor (24); and a controller (23) arranged to control an operation of the motor (24), wherein the motor and the controller are at least partially enclosed by the housing. A power tool comprising the modular power unit is also provided.

The permanent lawn mower, or inground lawn mower, is designed to be an alternative to conventional mobile mowing. Its focus is small grassy areas that are dangerous or impractical to mow by other means. In a first embodiment, the system includes three primary components: a drive unit that supplies rotational motion; a cable that carries rotational motion away from the drive unit, and one or more cutting heads that convert the rotational motion into a cutting action. In a second embodiment, the drive unit is combined with the cutting head, avoiding the need for a cable to carry rotational motion.