Patent Publication Number: US-2015085126-A1

Title: Lawn Mower

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/298,401, filed Nov. 17, 2011. The entire teachings of the above application are incorporated herein by reference 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Most lawn mowers typically have one or more rotating blades mounted to a chassis between a set of wheels. The blades are most often powered by a gas engine to provide sufficient power to the blades, since the blades are often thick and heavy and are rotated at high speed. A typical push mower can have a cutting width of about 18 inches wide, and industrial or self propelled mowers can often have a cutting width up to 42 to 52 inches. In order to cut such large widths in an industrial or self propelled mower, a large gas engine is required to provide sufficient power for the blades. In contrast, electric powered robotic mowers typically have small cutting widths, such as 12 inches, in order to keep electrical power requirements low enough so that a battery can provide power long enough to cut a lawn. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention provides a vegetation cutting apparatus such as a lawn mower having an energy efficient cutting design that enables a larger cutting width than prior art battery powered lawn mowers. 
     The present invention can provide a vegetation cutting apparatus including a movable carriage having a conveyance system for facilitating conveyance of the carriage over ground. The conveyance system can have conveyance members for facilitating such conveyance. A cutting system can be mounted to the carriage for cutting vegetation. The cutting system can include at least one cutting member which is positionable laterally around the periphery of at least one conveyance member for enabling cutting of vegetation laterally around the at least one conveyance member. 
     In particular embodiments, the cutting apparatus can be a lawn mower. The conveyance members can include a set of wheels. The at least one cutting member can be positionable laterally around the set of wheels for enabling cutting of vegetation laterally around the set of wheels. The set of wheels can include two side drive wheels, and front and rear free wheeling wheels. The front and rear free wheeling wheels can be swiveling caster wheels. The cutting system can include a rotary member rotatably mounted about a rotary member rotational axis which rotates at least one cutting blade laterally around the at least one conveyance member. The rotary member can have two rotary arms extending on opposite sides of the rotary member rotational axis. Each rotary arm can rotate a respective cutting blade around the at least one conveyance member. The cutting blades can be replaceable. In one embodiment, each cutting blade can be also rotated relative to its respective rotary arm about a respective cutting blade rotational axis. 
     In another embodiment, the cutting system can include a stationary peripheral vegetation ring member positioned around the at least one conveyance member for laterally engaging the vegetation. The rotating cutting blades can be rotated relative to and adjacent to peripheral surfaces of the stationary peripheral vegetation ring member for cutting the laterally engaged vegetation. The peripheral surfaces of the stationary peripheral vegetation ring member can include at least one portion that has a curve with an increasing radius moving in a rotary arm rotational direction for facilitating cutting action. 
     A protective grill can substantially surround a lateral periphery of the cutting system. The protective grill can include a series of grill members that are spaced apart from each other for blocking lateral passage of large objects to the cutting system while allowing the passage of vegetation to be cut. 
     First and second cameras can be mounted to the cutting apparatus and face in two different directions. Images from the first and second cameras can be combined together to form a single combined image to provide remote viewing of the cutting apparatus. The images can be combined together with pixel smoothing. The cameras can be mounted to a structure extending above the carriage and can each have views. One camera can be angled downwardly forwardly and the other camera can be angled downwardly rearwardly. The views of the cameras can be overlapped with each other. The single combined image can show front and rear ends, and sides, of the cutting apparatus as well as some adjacent environment. In some embodiments, the cutting apparatus can have more than two cameras mounted thereto, and the images from the more than two cameras can be combined together to form the single combined image. 
     The present invention can also provide a lawn mower including a movable carriage including a conveyance system having a set of wheels for conveying the carriage over ground. A cutting system can be mounted to the carriage for cutting grass. The cutting system can include a rotary member which rotates cutting blades laterally around the set of wheels for enabling cutting of the grass laterally around the set of wheels. 
     The present invention can also provide a cutting apparatus including a stationary peripheral vegetation ring member for laterally engaging vegetation. A rotary blade can rotate relative to and adjacent to peripheral surfaces of the stationary peripheral vegetation ring member for cutting the laterally engaged vegetation. 
     The present invention can also provide a spreading apparatus including a moveable carriage having a conveyance system for facilitating conveyance of the carriage over ground. The conveyance system can include conveyance members for facilitating such conveyance. A spreading system can be mounted to the carriage for spreading spreadable components. The spreading system can include at least one spreading member which is positionable laterally around the periphery of at least one conveyance member for enabling spreading of the spreadable components laterally around the at least one conveyance member. 
     The present invention can also provide a viewing system for a mobile apparatus including a first viewing camera mounted above the mobile apparatus and angled downwardly forwardly. A second viewing camera can be mounted above the mobile apparatus and angled downwardly and rearwardly. Images from the first and second cameras can be overlapped with each other and combined together to form a single combined image showing front and rear ends, and sides, of the mobile apparatus as well as some adjacent environment, to provide remote viewing of the mobile apparatus. 
     The present invention can also provide a method of cutting vegetation including conveying a movable carriage of a cutting apparatus over ground. The movable carriage can have a conveyance system with conveyance members for facilitating such conveyance. Vegetation can be cut with a cutting system that is mounted to the carriage. The cutting system can include at least one cutting member which is positionable laterally around the periphery of at least one conveyance member for enabling cutting of vegetation laterally around the at least one conveyance member. 
     In particular embodiments, the cutting apparatus can be a lawn mower. A set of wheels can be the conveyance members. The at least one cutting member can be positioned laterally around the set of wheels for enabling cutting of vegetation laterally around the set of wheels. The set of wheels can have two drive wheels, and front and rear free wheeling wheels. Swiveling caster wheels can be the free wheeling wheels. At least one cutting blade of the cutting system can be rotated laterally around the at least one conveyance member with a rotary member. The rotary member can be rotatably mounted about a rotary member rotational axis. The rotary member can have two rotary arms extending on opposite sides of the rotary member rotational axis. Each rotary arm can rotate a respective cutting blade around the at least one conveyance member. The cutting blades can be replaceable. In one embodiment, each cutting blade can be also rotated relative to its respective rotary arm about a respective cutting blade rotational axis. 
     In another embodiment, vegetation can be laterally engaged with a stationary peripheral vegetation ring member positioned around the at least one conveyance member. The rotating cutting blades can be rotated relative to and adjacent to peripheral surfaces of the stationary peripheral vegetation ring member for cutting the laterally engage vegetation. The peripheral surfaces of the stationary peripheral vegetation ring member can have at least one portion that has a curve with an increasing radius moving in a rotary arm rotational direction for facilitating cutting action. 
     A lateral periphery of the cutting system can be substantially surrounded with a protective grill. The protective grill can include a series of grill members that are spaced apart from each other for blocking lateral passage of large objects to the cutting system while allowing the passage of vegetation to be cut. 
     First and second cameras can be mounted to the cutting apparatus and face in two different directions. The images from the first and second cameras can be combined together to form a single combined image to provide remote viewing of the cutting apparatus. Images can be combined together with pixel smoothing. The cameras can be mounted to a post extending above the carriage and each camera can have views. One camera can be angled downwardly forwardly and the other camera can be angled downwardly rearwardly. The views of the cameras can be overlapped with each other. The single combined image can show front and rear ends, and sides, of the cutting apparatus as well as some adjacent environment. In some embodiments, more than two cameras can be mounted to the cutting apparatus, and the images from the more than two cameras can be combined together to form the single combined image. 
     The present invention can also provide a method of mowing a lawn including conveying a moveable carriage of a lawn mower over ground. The moveable carriage can include a conveyance system having a set of wheels. Grass can be cut with a cutting system mounted to the carriage. The cutting system can include a rotary member which rotates cutting blades laterally around the set of wheels enabling the cutting of the grass laterally around the set of wheels. 
     The present invention can also provide a method of cutting vegetation including laterally engaging vegetation with a stationary peripheral vegetation ring member on a cutting apparatus. The laterally engaged vegetation can cut with a rotary blade rotating relative to and adjacent to peripheral surfaces of the stationary peripheral vegetation ring member. 
     The present invention can also provide a method of spreading spreadable components including conveying a movable carriage of a spreading apparatus over ground. The moveable carriage can include a conveyance system having a set of wheels. The spreadable components can be spread with a spreading system mounted to the carriage. The spreading system can include at least one spreading member which is positionable laterally around the periphery of at least one conveyance member for enabling spreading of the spreadable components laterally around the at least one conveyance member. 
     The present invention can also provide a method of viewing a mobile apparatus including mounting a first viewing camera above the mobile apparatus and angled downwardly forwardly. A second viewing camera can be mounted above the mobile apparatus and angled downwardly rearwardly. Images from the first and second cameras can be overlapped with each other and combined together to form a single combined image showing front and rear ends, and sides, of the mobile apparatus as well as some adjacent environment, to provide remote viewing of the mobile apparatus. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular description of example embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vegetation cutting apparatus or lawn mower in the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a movable carriage and cutting system of a vegetation cutting apparatus or lawn mower. 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic drawing of an embodiment of a conveyance system for a vegetation cutting apparatus or lawn mower moving in a straight or forward direction. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic drawing of the embodiment of  FIG. 4  moving in a tight circle or turn, or zero turning radius. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic perspective drawing of an embodiment of the lawn mower cutting a lawn around a tree or bush. 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of another embodiment of a movable carriage and cutting system of a vegetation cutting apparatus or lawn mower in the present invention. 
         FIG. 8A and 8B  are schematic drawings showing vegetation or grass being cut with a cutting blade in  FIG. 8A , and vegetation or grass being cut with the combination of a cutting blade and a stationary vegetation ring member in  FIG. 8B . 
         FIGS. 9 and 10  are schematic side views of an embodiment of a vegetation cutting apparatus or lawn mower showing an embodiment of a viewing system arrangement. 
         FIG. 11  is a plan schematic view of the viewing system arrangement of  FIGS. 9 and 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic drawing of an image provided by an embodiment of the viewing system. 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic drawing of an embodiment of a protective grill or guard for the cutting blades and cutting system. 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic top view of an embodiment of a rotary spreading member on a spreading apparatus in the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       FIGS. 1-3 , depict an embodiment of a cutting apparatus such as a vegetation cutting apparatus or lawn mower  10  in the present invention, which can cut items extending upwardly from a surface such as the ground  22   a,  such as vegetation or grass  31 , such as in a field or lawn  22  ( FIG. 6 ). The lawn mower  10  can have a protective safety housing, guard or cover  8 , mounted over a moveable carriage  32 . The moveable carriage  32  can have a conveyance or drive system, device, apparatus, mechanism or arrangement  70 , for facilitating or driving the carriage over ground surfaces  22   a  or a lawn  22 . A cutting system, device, apparatus, mechanism or arrangement  72  can be mounted to the carriage  32 , which can cut radially around the periphery of the conveyance members or wheels  13  and  13   a  of the conveyance or drive system  70 . 
     The housing  8  can cover or extend over the carriage  32 , the drive system  70  and the cutting system  72 . An upper or central housing portion  8   a  can extend over, around and cover the carriage  32 . A lower or outer housing portion  8   b  can extend from and around the bottom of housing portion  8   a,  and can extend around and cover the outer periphery of cutting system  72 . In some embodiments, the outer perimeter of housing  8  can be generally round in shape, and the upper  8   a  and lower  8   b  potions can be generally flattened cylindrical or disc shaped. The housing can be formed of a metal or light weight material, such as aluminum, plastic, fiberglass or composites, or combinations thereof, and can include one or more pieces. 
     The cutting system  72  can include a rotary or rotating bridge or member  20  that is rotatably mounted to carriage  32  along or about a vertical rotary member rotational axis V r  for rotating cutting members or blades  12  around the carriage  32  and drive system  70 . The rotary member  20  can be coupled to a drive shaft  52  that is connected and rotatably driven by a drive motor  54  ( FIG. 4 ). The drive shaft  52  can extend upwardly from the frame, chassis or housing  32   a  of carriage  32  for coupling, connecting or attaching to rotary member  20 . The rotary member  20  can have two rotary arms  20   a  each with cutting blades  12 . The rotary arms  20   a  can extend on opposite sides of the axis V r  generally in alignment with each other, which can provide dynamic rotational balancing of rotary member  20 . The rotary arms  20   a  can extend in alignment with each other along a lateral axis R m . Each rotary arm  20   a  can have a first or inner horizontal portion  34   a  extending radially outward from axis V r  along axis R m , which rotates horizontally or laterally over the top of carriage  32  and housing  32   a.  A second intermediate vertical portion  34   b  can extend downwardly from the horizontal portion  34   a  for extending downwardly outside the housing  32   a  of the carriage  32  and drive system  70 , towards the ground  22   a.  A third horizontal distal end portion  34   c  can extend horizontally from the vertical portion  34   b  radially outward along axis R m . A cutting member or blade  12  can be mounted to the distal end portion  34   c  of each arm  20   a  for horizontally or laterally rotating or moving its position around the lateral periphery of the carriage  32  and drive system  70  for cutting vegetation or grass  31  horizontally or laterally around the carriage  32  and drive system  70  as the rotary member  20  rotates in the direction of arrows  42 . Each cutting blade  12  can have two cutting blade segments, lengths or portions  12   a  which are mounted to or extend from opposite sides of a rotatable drive hub or shaft  36 . Each drive shaft  36  can be rotatably connected to and driven about a respective vertical cutting blade rotational axis V c  by a drive motor  21 . Each drive motor  21 , drive shaft  36  and cutting blade  12  can form a cutting assembly  72   a.  Each drive motor  21  can be mounted to the upper side or surface of a distal end portion  34   c  of a respective arm  20   a,  and the corresponding drive shaft  36  and cutting blade  12  can extend below each portion  34   c.    
     In use, each drive motor  21  can rotate a cutting blade  12  about an axis V c  in the direction of arrow  76  for cutting vegetation or grass  31  laterally adjacent or next to, or outside the carriage  32  in a generally circular cutting pattern  18  that is relatively small in size. The drive motor  54  can rotate rotary member  20  about axis V r , which rotates the cutting assemblies  72   a  and the rotating cutting blades  12  in the direction of arrows  42  horizontally or laterally around the outside or periphery of the carriage  32  and drive system  70 . This movement of position or rotation of the cutting assemblies  72   a  can move the circular cutting patterns  18  formed by the cutting blades  12  of the cutting assemblies  72   a  around the carriage  32  in a peripheral or circular motion which can form a larger peripheral generally circular or annular cutting pattern  38  having an outer periphery, boundary, circumference or diameter  38   a,  and an inner periphery, boundary or diameter  38   b.  The rotary member  20  can rotate in the direction of arrow  42  which can be in the same direction of rotation of cutting blades  12  in the direction of arrow  76 , so that the cutting blades  12  can have increased apparent velocity for cutting vegetation or grass  31 , that combines the velocity of rotary member  20  with the velocity of cutting blades  12 . In some embodiments, the rotations can be in the opposite directions. The radius of the outer  38   a,  and inner  38   b  boundaries can differ by the length of the cutting blade  12 , or in other words the annular width of the annular cutting pattern  38  can be equal to the length of the cutting blade  12 , when both cutting blades  12  are the same length and positioned the same distance away from axis V r . The inner boundary  38   b  can extend closely around the carriage  32  and wheels  13  and  13   a  of the drive system  70 . Although two rotary arms  20   a  for rotating two cutting assemblies  72   a  are often employed, in other embodiments, only one rotary arm  20   a,  can rotate one cutting assembly  72   a  and one blade  12 , or more than two rotary arms  20   a  can rotate more than two cutting assemblies  72   a  and blades  12 , such as, three or four. 
     The cutting blades  12  can be short and small in size and weight, so that small drive motors  21  can be used in cutting assemblies  72   a  to rotate the blades  12 . The cutting edges of cutting portions  12   a  of the cutting blades  12  can be angled or curved in or into the direction of rotation of arrows  76 , which can facilitate the cutting action. In other embodiments, blade portions  12   a  and blades  12  can be angled or straight. The cutting blades  12  can be sharp razor type blades that are thin and light, weighing only a few ounces, and can be, for example, 1% of the weight of standard mower blades which are long, thick and heavy. As a result, the cutting blades  12  can be replaceable and disposable. Such a lightweight sharp blade can be rotated at a slower speed than standard lawn mower blades, thereby requiring less energy. Despite using relatively small or short cutting blades  12 , one or more cutting assemblies  72   a  and cutting blades  12  can be rotated by a rotating member  20  around the carriage  32  and drive system  70 , such that large cutting widths or diameters can be obtained. The drive motors  21  and  54  can each be relatively small motors so that large cutting widths can be obtained while at the same time minimizing energy consumption. A small energy requirement for blades  12  which can cut a large cutting width, allows the drive motors  21  and  54  of the lawn mower  10  to be electric and run from a rechargeable battery. 
     For example, in one embodiment, the cutting blades  12  can be 8 inches long with a 4 inch radius, which can provide a cutting pattern  18  with an 8 inch diameter. The 8 inch long cutting blades  12  can be formed from two 3 inch long blades that form the cutting portions  12   a,  which are mounted to a drive shaft  36  that has a 2 inch diameter. The cutting blades  12  can be rotated about axes V c  that are located at positions on arms  20   a  about 17 inches radially outward from axis V r , thereby forming a cutting radius of about 21 inches, and a total cutting width or diameter of 42 inches. This can result in a cutting pattern  38  having an outer diameter  38   a  of 42 inches and an inner diameter  38   b  of 26 inches. However with forward motion, with regard to actual cutting, the size of the inner diameter  38   b  is not relevant to the total cutting width. The rotary member  20  can be rotated at a speed of about 30 rpm (slow), and the cutting blades  12  can be rotated about 30 to 35 times faster, such as about 1000 rpm. The drive system  70  can have a 18 inch wheel base between wheels  13 . It is understood that the wheel base of the drive system  70  and the length of the cutting blades  12  can be varied, and that the length of rotary arm can be varied or adjusted to provide various desired sizes of cutting patterns  18  and  38 . The rotary member  20  can rotate one revolution per one inch travel of the lawn mower  10 , allowing two cutting passes of the cutting assemblies  72   a.  This can allow grass  31  to be cut and recut multiple times, such as over 10 times, sometimes 16 times, per pass by the lawn mower  10 . Furthermore, the cutting assemblies  72   a  and axes V c  can be set, oriented or positioned at an angle, where the axes V c  can be tilted relative to vertical, such that the tips of the cutting blades  12  pass closer to the ground  22   a  further away from axis V r  and higher above the ground  22   a  closer to axis V r , whereby the vegetation or grass  31  can be cut multiple times as the lawn mower  10  advances. The direction of tilt of axes V c  can be varied as chosen. If desired, the cutting assemblies  72   a  can have blades  12  set at two different heights to aid in mulching. In other embodiments, the blades  12  can be at the same height. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the drive system  70  can include two side drive wheels  13  rotatably coupled to housing  32   a  on the right side R and the left side L. The drive wheels  13  can be rotatably coupled to and driven by a respective drive motor  56  about a horizontal drive wheel axis H d . Front  13   a  and rear  13   b  free wheeling idler or caster wheels can be rotatably, pivotably or swivelably mounted to housing  32   a  at the front and rear of housing  32   a  between wheels  13 , each about a respective vertical pivoting axis V p . Each pivoting axis V p  allow wheels  13   a  and  13   b  to pivot about or around their axes V p  in the direction of arrows  44 . The two pivoting axes V p  of wheels  13   a  and  13   b  can be aligned with each other on the center line axis C L  of carriage  32  and housing  32   a,  and each wheel  13   a  and  13   b  can free wheel or idle about a respective horizontal axis H f . Consequently, in use, to move the lawn mower  10  in a straight line or path in the direction of arrow  46 , the drive wheels  13  can be driven by drive motors  56  equally or at equal speeds, which aligns the wheels  13   a  and  13   b  in a straight manner along center line axis C L  for travel in a straight line along arrow  46 . To turn, the drive wheels  13  can be driven at different speeds. For example, to turn left, the right side R drive wheel  13  can be driven faster than the left side L drive wheel  13 , and to turn right, the left side L drive wheel  13  can be driven faster than the right side R drive wheel  13 . The wheels  13   a  and  13   b  can each pivot about respective axes V p  during turning. Drive system  70  can also turn or rotate carriage  32  in place in the direction of arrow  48 , when the drive wheels  13  are rotated in opposite directions, and wheels  13   a  and  13   b  pivoted generally in the direction of arrow  48 . As can be seen, drive system  70  can allow for tight turns including zero turning radius turns, to be made in any direction, even in place, and can provide high maneuverability around objects. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , lawn mower  10  can cut a path or pass  17  through a lawn  22 , and can travel or be driven in a straight line or path  46  for cutting open portions of the lawn  22  in a straight line, and can travel or be driven in a curved path  76  to cut around objects, articles or obstructions  16  in the lawn  22 , such as a tree, shrub or bush. By having a round shape that can turn in any direction, and by having the cutting blades  12  rotating around the carriage  32  and the drive system  70 , the lawn mower  10  can maneuver and cut closely around objects  16  in the lawn  22 , despite also being able to have a wide cutting width such as 42 inches. The lawn mower  10  can be manually pushed or controlled, remotely controlled, or robotically controlled, and movement can be preprogrammed, or can be controlled in real time by sensors, including vision systems, for example  80  ( FIGS. 9 and 10 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , lawn mower  11  is another embodiment of a lawn mower in the present invention which differs from lawn mower  10  in that it has a cutting system, device, apparatus, mechanism or arrangement  74  mounted to and laterally about or around carriage  32 . Cutting system  74  can have cutting blades  19 , for example two, that are fixed in place, such as rigidly, to opposite ends of the rotary member  20 , each to a rotary arm  20   a.  A cutting blade  19  can be fixed to the distal end portion  34   c  of each arm  20   a  at height D 1  ( FIGS. 8A and 8   b ) pointing in the direction of rotation  42  of the rotary member  20 . This moves the cutting edge  25  of each cutting blade  19  in the direction of rotation  42 . The cutting edge  25  can face radially inwardly and can be angled slightly outwardly from the tangent line  78  of the rotation of rotary member  20  to promote cutting of vegetation or grass  31 , with minimal resistance. The cutting blades  19  can be light weight sharp razor type blades that are replaceable and disposable. The cutting system  74  can also include a generally round stationary peripheral vegetation or grass engaging ring member  23  that is mounted to the housing  32   a  of carriage  32  with securement members or spokes  23   b  that extend radially outwardly. The ring member  23  can horizontally or laterally encircle the carriage  32 , and can be located or positioned adjacent to the moving cutting blades  19 , for example, underneath. The ring member  23  can laterally engage vegetation or grass  31  surrounding carriage  32  and drive system  70 , for example, as the carriage  32  moves. The ring member  23  can have one or more, or a series of, outwardly facing lateral vegetation or grass engaging portions  23   a  that each have an outwardly facing peripheral surface or edge  24  that can have a curve with an increasing radius starting at a radially inward portion  24   a  and moving radially outwardly in the rotational direction  42  of motion of the rotary member  20  to a radially outward portion  24   b  for facilitating cutting action. Each grass engaging portion  23   a  can be separated from each other by a step  24   c  and extend in series around the perimeter of ring member  23 . As a blade  19  is rotated by rotary member  20 , the blade  19  forms a narrow generally, vee shaped notch, space or opening  26  with edge  24  at the radially inward portion  24   a  that is closed at one end or the bottom, and widens facing in the direction of rotation  42 . Vegetation or grass  31  can be trapped or engaged within the vee shaped notch  26  between the blade  19  and edge  24 , and as the blade  19  rotates relative to the edge  24 , the size of the vee shaped notch  26  can become smaller until disappearing or becoming closed  27  at the radially outward portion  24   b.  This can form a cutting pattern  38  that generally extends around the periphery of ring member  23  and grass engaging portions  23   a,  as the vegetation or grass  31  is cut between the blades  19  and the edges  24  with rotation of the blades  19  and the notch  26 . When the blades  19  are rotated in close proximity or in contact with the surface of ring member  23  or edges  24 , this can create a scissor, shearing or wiping action for cutting vegetation or grass  31 , where the cutting edge  25  of the blade  19  engages and cuts the vegetation or grass  31  laterally engaged or trapped between edges  25  and  24  until the vee shaped notch  26  becomes closed  27 , or blades  24  and  25  overlap. The edge  24  can be sharpened to facilitate cutting action, and the cutting edge  25  of blade  19  can have a slight concave curve. In some embodiments the blades  19  and  24  can be shaped and/or positioned to provide a notch  26  that remains constant in size. Additionally, in some embodiments, the ring member  23  can be formed from a portion of the housing  32   a,  for example, an edge or flange of the housing  32   a,  and if desired, separate or individual edges  24  can be mounted thereto. The blades  19  are shown rotating above edges  24 , but in some embodiments, can be rotated below edges  24 . Also in some embodiments, the edges  24  can be inwardly facing, and the cutting edge  25  of blades  19  can be configured and positioned appropriately facing outwardly, to engage inwardly facing edges  24 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8A , in some embodiments, the ring member  23  can be omitted, and when cutting the grass  31  at a height of D 1 , the vegetation or grass  31  can be laterally bent or deflected to position  31  a before the cut is made. However, the vegetation or grass  31  cutting ability can be improved with ring member  23 . Referring to  FIG. 8B , the edge  24  of a grass engaging portion  23   a  of ring member  23  can laterally support the vegetation or grass or blades of grass  31  against lateral bending moments caused by a laterally striking cutting blade  19  to allow lateral cutting without significant lateral deflection to position  31   a . In some embodiments, a gap D 2  having a width of about the thickness of a piece of vegetation or blade of grass  31  or more, can separate blade  19  from edge  24  and still facilitate cutting without significant lateral deflection since the vegetation or grass  31  is laterally supported by edge  24  against lateral bending moments with a lateral resistive counterforce. A gap D 2  between blades  19  and edges  24  can reduce friction and the energy required for rotating blades  19 . The use of the ring member  23  ( FIG. 8B ) can allow a lower rotational speed for rotating blades  19  with rotary member  20  than if the ring member  23  were omitted ( FIG. 8A ). 
     In some embodiments, the lawn mowers  10  and  11  do not have to be round, and the cutting systems  72  and  74  do not have to cut around the whole carriage  32  or drive system  70 , but can be positionable, rotate or cut around the periphery of at least one or more conveyance members or wheels  13  or  13   a,  and still can provide increased cutting width and/or maneuverability. Drive systems with other suitable wheel configurations can be employed, and in some embodiments, the drive wheels  13  and  13   a  can be replaced with other conveyance members, such as tractor treads, or legs for walking over terrain. Although the rotary member  20  has been shown with straight horizontal and vertical portions, rotary member  20  can have other suitable configurations for positioning and rotating cutting blades  12  and  19 , and can be curved. Rotary member  20  can have one or more than two rotary arms  20   a  for rotating at least one or more than two cutting members or blades  12  and  19 . Blades  12  and  19  are typically rotated by rotary member  20  in a circular cutting path, but if desired in some embodiments, the cutting path can be made noncircular, by using appropriate mechanisms. Non circular paths can include linear or elliptical paths, or paths including one or more linear and/or curved paths. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9-12 , to facilitate remote viewing or operation of lawn mower  10  or  11 , a vision system or arrangement  80  can be included. The vision system  80  can have two or more cameras  28  and  29  mounted over the foot print of the lawn mower  10  or  11 , such as to a structure or pole  50 , that in turn is mounted to the lawn mower  10  or  11 , such as to the carriage  32  or the housing  8 . The pole  50  can have a vertical portion  50   a  and a rearwardly extending portion  50   b,  to which a forwardly directed  28  and a rearwardly directed  29  camera can be mounted above the rear end of the lawn mower  10  or  11 . The forwardly directed camera  28  can be angled downwardly forwardly for viewing an area or field of view A for generating an image of the field of view A of the lawn mower  10  or  11  from above the rear end of the lawn mower  10  or  11 , looking downwardly forwardly, showing regions to the sides and in front of the lawn mower  10  or  11 . The rearwardly directed camera  29  can be angled downwardly rearwardly for viewing an area or field of view B, for generating an image of the field of view B of the lawn mower  10  or  11  from above the rear end of the lawn mower  10  or  11 , of the rear end of the lawn mower  10  or  11 , looking downwardly rearwardly, showing regions to the sides and behind the lawn mower  10  or  11 . There can be an overlapping view region C, where the two fields of views A and B overlap each other. Region C can be made large as seen in  FIG. 9 , or can be very narrow, such as an inch. Together, the field of views A and B can provide a large multiple view coverage  30  of the lawn mower  10  or  11 , and the surrounding environment. 
     The two images from the two fields of view A and B can be sent to a computer or a controller  82 , which can be by wireless communication. The images from the multiple views A and B, can be combined together into a single viewable image  30 A ( FIG. 12 ) on a screen  59 , which can be connected to or can be part of the computer or a controller  82 . The computer or controller  82  can include controls for controlling the operation of lawn mower  10  or  11 , which can be performed remotely. The combined image  30 A can be formed by joining an image Al that is at least a portion of the image generated from the field of view A by camera  28 , with an image B 1  that is at least a portion of the image generated from the field of view B by camera  29 . The two images A 1  and B 1  can be joined together along a dividing, separation or combination line  58  that divides, separates, or combines the two images A 1  and B 1  together into a single viewable combined image  30 A. The image A 1  can be formed by truncating the image of view A at or along a line or axis  82  ( FIG. 11 ) that can be within overlapping region C, and image B 1  can be formed by truncating the image of view B at or along the same line or axis  82 . This allows the two images A 1  and B 1  when joined together along combination line  58 , to provide a single combined image  30 A on screen  59  that shows or gives the general appearance of viewing the lawn mower  10  or  11  from a distance behind, looking forward, as if one was walking behind the lawn mower  10  or  11 . Not only does the lawn mower  10  or  11  appear to be seen from behind, but the lawn  22  behind, on both sides and in front of the lawn mower  10  or  11  can be seen in the image  30 A, as well as any objects  16  in the lawn  22  such as a tree, shrub or bush. This allows the user to remotely view the lawn mower  10  or  11  on screen  59 , to remotely control and/or view the operation of lawn mower  10  or  11  in a manner that simulates the view of a person pushing or walking behind a lawn mower. This can enable effective and efficient mowing of a lawn  22 , including maneuvering around and cutting close to objects  16  on the lawn  22 . This illusion or appearance of walking behind the lawn mower  10  or  11  can be achieved by two cameras  28  and  29  mounted above the lawn mower  10  or  11 , which can provide a view that can be generally equivalent to positioning a forwardly viewing camera 8 feet behind the lawn mower, for example with an 8 foot pole or boom extended behind the lawn mower. 
     In some embodiments, the joined images A 1  and B 1  may appear slightly offset in size along line  58 . In addition, image B 1  portion of image  30 A can appear upside down or backwards, which is technically inaccurate or unorthodox, but the front view image A 1  portion is the most important image portion and is an accurate view. However, image B 1  portion can be still of use for reference. Image  30 A is a low cost way of giving the illusion of walking behind the lawn mower  10  or  11 . However, if desired, the image  30 A can be processed to flip or mirror image reverse the image B 1  to more accurately correspond to the view of image A 1 . 
     In some embodiments, the combined image  30 A can be formed from images A 1  and B 1  that are full images of the views A and B, and the overlapped region C can be smoothed out with pixel smoothing and averaging. Since overlapped region C is where images A 1  and B 1  overlap, there would be no clear dividing line  58  between the images A 1  and B 1 . The overlapped region C can be somewhat distorted, but can be sufficient for its intended purpose. 
     In some embodiments, the two cameras can be directed to the sides of lawn mower  10  or  11 , similar to an animal having eyes on the sides of its head with images combined appropriately. Additionally, in some embodiments, more than two cameras can provide images which are combined into a single combined image  30 A. For example, multiple cameras can be directed toward the front, back, and sides. Cameras used can have normal viewing angles, wide angle viewing, or a combination thereof. The cameras can be any suitable cameras, as know in the art, and can be digital. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , in some embodiments, the lawn mower  10  or  11  can include a protective grill or guard  90 , which can be mounted to or can be part of the carriage  32  and/or housing  8  for at least substantially laterally surrounding and protecting the cutting system  72  or  74  and blades  12  or  19  from damage by large objects on the lawn  22  or ground  22   a,  such as branches  96 . In one embodiment, the grill  90  can be a ring or generally annular in shape  92 , having an outer periphery or diameter  98  and an inner periphery or diameter  100 . A series of grill members, bars or ribs  94  can be arranged spaced apart from each other in downwardly and laterally or horizontally extending parallel fashion on the annular shape  92  to provide straight parallel lateral or horizontal gaps  102  for not restricting and allowing the lateral or horizontal passage of vegetation or grass  31  through the gaps  102  into the path of the cutting system  72  or  74  and cutting pattern  38  for cutting, while at the same time, blocking lateral or horizontal passage of large objects such as branches  96  or body parts, such as a hand or foot. The bars  94  can be oriented to face in the direction of travel  46  of the lawn mower  10  or  11 . In some embodiments, the grill  90  can be sized and positioned such that the inner periphery  100  extends around the outer periphery or boundary  38   a  of the cutting pattern  38  of the cutting system  72  or  74 . In other embodiments, the grill  90  can be sized and positioned to overlap with or coincide with the cutting pattern  38 . The bars  94  in some embodiments can be about ¾ of an inch high and about ⅛ of an inch thick. The length of the bars  94  depends upon the location relative to the annular shape  92  as seen. The bars  94  can be formed integrally with the housing  8 , or can be mounted to a bracket or ring that is in turn mounted to the housing  8  or carriage  32 . In other embodiments, the shape of the grill  90  does not have to be round or annular, and can include for example, a pointed front or bow, such as in a boat, which can redirect branches  96  to the side. In addition, the pointed bow can also have an upward angling surface for lifting branches  96  off the lawn  22  and then redirecting to the side. Also, in some embodiments, the bars  94  can be a ring of evenly spaced downwardly extending vertically oriented rods or pegs. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , in some embodiments, the apparatus in the present invention can be a spreader for spreading spreadable products or items or components  66 , including agricultural products such as seeds, fertilizer, chemicals, minerals, organic matter, etc. In such embodiments, the cutting system  72  and the rotary member  20  can be replaced with a spreading system  60  mounted to carriage  32  having a rotary spreading member  62 . The rotary spreading member  62  can be rotatably mounted to drive motor  54  by shaft  52  about axis V r , and can receive spreadable components  66  in granular, powder or liquid form, which can be spread in a desired pattern through holes  64  in the rotary member  62  with rotation of rotary member  62  about axis V r  in the direction of arrows  42 . The holes  64  can be appropriately sized and positioned for spreading granular or liquid spreadable components  66  laterally around the carriage  32  and drive system  70 . A reservoir or hopper  68  can supply the rotary arm  62  with the spreadable components  66 . At least one spreading arm  62   a  of spreading member  62  can be positionable, movable or rotatable laterally around the periphery of at least one, more than one or all of the conveyance members  13  and  13   a.  The spreading member  62  can be aligned along axis R m  and can be laterally straight, or can have portions which extend downwardly closer to the ground  22 . 
     While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to example embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims. 
     For example, it is understood that features of the embodiments described can be combined or omitted. In addition, various sizes and shapes can be varied as desired. The blades  12  and  19  have been shown and described as being generally elongate blades, but can have other suitable shapes. Blades  12  and  19  can have teeth and can include round saw blades. If desired, a flexible cutting wire or cord, such as in a weed trimmer, can be employed. Vegetation other than grass  31  in a lawn  22  can be cut, for example, agricultural crops in fields, or clearing land. Some embodiments can be made in large size for rotating heavy blades and can be driven by more powerful motors, which can include, electric, gas and hydraulic motors.