Patent Publication Number: US-2009217637-A1

Title: Method and apparatus for swinging line

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for swinging line. 
     Apparatus for swinging line are common. For example, one such apparatus swings line, such as a nylon monofilament, about an imaginary axis to cut weeds, grass and other light vegetation. Most conventional apparatus for swinging line to cut vegetation include a head having a spool of line that is selectively dispensed so it extends some predetermined distance from the head. The apparatus also includes a motor for rotating the spool to swing the line about the imaginary central axis of the spool. The line swings with the head at a speed sufficient to cut the vegetation. When the line breaks or frays, the user bumps the head on the ground to disengage a clutch in the head to release more line from the head. Among the problems associated with this type of system is that bumping the apparatus causes unnecessary wear and tear on the apparatus and the user. 
     Although these apparatus work fairly well, the line tends to become tangled on the spool inside the head when the user bumps the head on the ground to disengage the clutch. Once the line is tangled, no more line can be dispensed when a need arises. When the line becomes tangled, the head must be disassembled to remove the spool, and the line must be cut or untangled. Then, the spool must be rewound and the head must be reassembled so additional line can be dispensed. The head must also be disassembled each time the supply of line runs out. If the apparatus is used for an extended period of time, the user may have to stop and reload the apparatus several times. This process takes time away from the task at hand, limiting the efficiency of the apparatus and causing frustration for the user. Many prior attempts to solve this problem have met with limited success. 
     Another issue that occurs with these apparatus is that users frequently cannot determine the length of line extending from the head. The line may be too short, limiting the effectiveness of the apparatus for cutting. Or the line may be too long. Although the apparatus frequently include a blade that cuts the excess line so the line extending from the head can be cut to an optimal length, cutting excess line unnecessarily wastes line that could otherwise be used, resulting in increased operational cost. Further, if line is let out frequently, many line remnants become scattered about. Because conventional line is not biodegradable, over time remnants may cause environmental concerns. 
     Conventional apparatus are also cumbersome and uncomfortable to use for extended periods. Although some manufactures provide harnesses for supporting the apparatus to increase comfort, extended use can result in pain centered in joints, tendons and/or muscles. Thus, there is a need for apparatus providing improved ergonomic operation. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, the present invention includes apparatus for swinging a flexible line about an imaginary axis. The apparatus comprises an elongate body extending along a centerline between a head end at which the imaginary axis is located and a tail end opposite the head end. The apparatus includes a motor mounted remote from the head end of the body having an output. In addition, the apparatus comprises a head rotatably mounted on the head end of the body and operatively connected to the motor output for rotation about the imaginary axis in response to operation of the motor. The head has a curved passage extending from an inlet directed generally along the imaginary axis into which the flexible line is feedable to an outlet directed generally lateral to the imaginary axis through which the line is extendable. The passage is sized for passing the line from the inlet to the outlet. 
     In another aspect, the present invention includes apparatus for cutting vegetation with a flexible line swinging about an imaginary axis. The apparatus comprises an elongate body extending along a centerline between a head end at which the imaginary axis is positioned and a tail end opposite the head end from which an operator operates the apparatus. In addition, the apparatus includes a motor mounted on the body having an output and a head rotatably mounted on the head end of the body for rotation about the imaginary axis and operatively connected to the motor output for rotating the head about the imaginary axis. The head has a curved passage extending from an inlet directed generally along the imaginary axis to an outlet directed generally lateral to the imaginary axis so the outlet swings along an arc as the head rotates about the imaginary axis. The passage is sized for passing the line from the inlet to the outlet. Further, the apparatus includes a transmission operatively connected between the motor output and the head for rotating the head about the imaginary axis in response to operation of the motor. The apparatus also comprises a housing surrounding the transmission having an opening for passing line through the housing and into the inlet of the passage in the head. 
     In still another aspect, the present invention includes apparatus for cutting vegetation with a flexible line swinging about an imaginary axis. The apparatus comprises a body and a motor mounted on the body having an output. In addition, the apparatus includes a head rotatably mounted on the body and operatively connected to the motor output for rotating the head about the imaginary axis in response to operation of the motor. The head has a curved passage extending from an inlet directed generally along the imaginary axis to an outlet directed generally lateral to the imaginary axis so the outlet swings along an arc as the head rotates about the imaginary axis. The passage is sized for passing the line from the inlet to the outlet. Moreover, the apparatus includes a light source operatively connectable to the line for directing light to an end of the line extending from the outlet of the head. 
     In another aspect, the present invention includes apparatus for cutting vegetation with a flexible line swinging about an imaginary axis comprising a body and at least one of a wheel, a track, a leg or a skid attached to the body for contacting ground to support the body above the ground. The apparatus also includes a motor mounted on the body having an output and a head rotatably mounted on the body and operatively connected to the motor output for rotating the head about the imaginary axis in response to operation of the motor. The head has a curved passage extending from an inlet directed generally along the imaginary axis to an outlet directed generally lateral to the imaginary axis so the outlet swings along an arc as the head rotates about the imaginary axis. The passage is sized for passing the line from the inlet to the outlet. 
     In yet another aspect, the present invention includes apparatus for swinging a flexible line about an imaginary axis comprising a body and a motor mounted on the body having an output. Further, the apparatus comprises a head rotatably mounted on the body and operatively connected to the motor output for rotation about the imaginary axis in response to operation of the motor. The head has a curved passage extending from an inlet directed generally along the imaginary axis into which the flexible line is feedable to an outlet directed generally lateral to the imaginary axis through which the line is extendable. The passage is sized for passing the line from the inlet to the outlet. Still further, the apparatus comprises a transmitter operatively connectable to the line for transmitting information to the line. 
     In another aspect, the present invention includes apparatus for apparatus for swinging a flexible line about an imaginary axis comprising a body and a motor mounted on the body having an output. The apparatus further comprises a head rotatably mounted on the body and operatively connected to the motor output for rotation about the imaginary axis in response to operation of the motor. The head has a curved passage extending from an inlet directed generally along the imaginary axis into which the flexible line is feedable to an outlet directed generally lateral to the imaginary axis through which the line is extendable. The passage is sized for passing the line from the inlet to the outlet. Further, the apparatus includes a receiver mounted adjacent the line for receiving information transmitted through the line. 
     In an additional aspect, the present invention includes apparatus for swinging a preselected element about an imaginary axis comprising a body and a motor mounted on the body having an output. Further, the apparatus comprises a head rotatably mounted on the body and operatively connected to the motor output for rotation about the imaginary axis in response to operation of the motor. The head has a curved passage extending from an inlet directed generally along the imaginary axis to an outlet directed generally lateral to the imaginary axis. Still further, the apparatus comprises line extending through the passage from the inlet through the passage to the outlet and extending outward from the outlet to an end. A preselected element is attached to the end of the line. The element is selected from a group of elements consisting of an energy source and a cutter. 
     In still another aspect, the present invention includes method of transmitting information through a line comprising swinging the line about an imaginary axis, transmitting information to an end of the line, and receiving the transmitted information at an end of the line opposite the end to which the information is transmitted. 
     In another aspect, the present invention includes a method of opening a passage comprising inserting a line into the passage, and swinging the line about an imaginary axis so an end of the line traveling through an arc opens the passage. 
     In a further aspect, the present invention includes apparatus for cutting vegetation with a flexible line swinging about an imaginary axis. The apparatus comprises an elongate body extending along a centerline between a head end at which the imaginary axis is positioned and a tail end opposite the head end from which an operator operates the apparatus. Further, the apparatus includes a motor mounted on the body having an output and a head rotatably mounted on the head end of the body for rotation about the imaginary axis and operatively connected to the motor output for rotating the head about the imaginary axis. Still further, the apparatus comprises a grip connected to the body adapted for engaging a hand of a user, and a brace connected to the body adapted for engaging an arm of the user while the grip engages the user&#39;s corresponding hand. 
     In yet another aspect, the present invention includes apparatus for cutting vegetation with a flexible line swinging about an imaginary axis comprising an elongate body extending along a centerline between a head end at which the imaginary axis is positioned and a tail end opposite the head end from which an operator operates the apparatus. The apparatus also comprises a motor mounted on the body having an output and a head rotatably mounted on the head end of the body for rotation about the imaginary axis and operatively connected to the motor output for rotating the head about the imaginary axis. The apparatus includes a grip mounted on the body spaced from the head end. The grip extends from the body along a grip axis extending from a predetermined axial position along the body, at a predetermined tilt angle measured relative to the body, at a predetermined radial position measured from the grip to the centerline, at a predetermined rotational angle measured about the grip axis. At least one of the axial position and the tilt angle are selectively adjustable. 
     In a further aspect, the present invention includes apparatus for cutting vegetation with a flexible line swinging about an imaginary axis comprising an elongate body extending along a centerline between a head end at which the imaginary axis is positioned and a tail end opposite the head end from which an operator operates the apparatus. The apparatus also comprises a motor mounted on the body having an output and a head rotatably mounted on the head end of the body for rotation about the imaginary axis and operatively connected to the motor output for rotating the head about the imaginary axis. The apparatus includes a grip mounted on the body extending generally upward from the body when the head is positioned for cutting vegetation. 
     In still another aspect, the present invention includes apparatus for cutting vegetation with a flexible line swinging about an imaginary axis comprising a body and a motor operatively connected to the body having an output. The apparatus also includes a head rotatably mounted on the body for rotation about the imaginary axis and operatively connected to the motor output for rotating the head about the imaginary axis. The apparatus comprises line extending from the head and swinging about the imaginary axis in response to the head rotation. The line comprises an at least partially biodegradable material. 
     In yet another aspect, the present invention includes apparatus for cutting vegetation with a flexible line swinging about an imaginary axis. The apparatus includes an elongate body extending along a centerline between a head end at which the imaginary axis is positioned and a tail end opposite the head end from which an operator operates the apparatus and a motor mounted on the body having an output. Further, the apparatus comprises a head rotatably mounted on the head end of the body for rotation about the imaginary axis and operatively connected to the motor output for rotating the head about the imaginary axis, and a grip mounted on the body spaced from the head end. The grip extends from the body along a grip axis extending from a predetermined axial position along the body, at a predetermined tilt angle measured relative to the body, at a predetermined radial position measured from the grip to the centerline, at a predetermined rotational angle measured about the grip axis. Further, the apparatus comprises a handle mounted on the body and axially spaced from the grip and the head end. The handle extends from the body along a handle axis extending from a predetermined axial position along the body, at a predetermined tilt angle measured relative to the body, at a predetermined radial position measured from the handle to the centerline, at a predetermined rotational angle measured about the handle axis. 
     Other aspects of the present invention will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective of apparatus of a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a fragmentary side elevation in partial section of a tail end of the apparatus; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective detail of a portion of the apparatus identified in  FIG. 1  showing a housing removed; 
         FIG. 4  is a fragmentary cross section of a portion of the head end of the apparatus; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic side elevation of apparatus of a second embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic top plan of apparatus of a third embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic side elevation of apparatus of a fourth embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective of apparatus of a fifth embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic representation of apparatus a sixth embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic representation of apparatus a seventh embodiment; and 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic representation of apparatus an eighth embodiment. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , apparatus of a first embodiment is designated in its entirety by the reference number  20 . The apparatus  20  includes an elongate body, generally designated by  22 , extending along an imaginary centerline  24  between a head end  26  and a tail end  28  opposite the head end. A handle  30  and a grip  32  are provided at the tail end  28  of the body  22  for guiding the apparatus  20 . In one embodiment, the handle  30  is adjustable (e.g., having telescopic sides as shown) for improving ergonomic adjustability to enhance user comfort during use. Controls, generally designated by  34 , are mounted on the body adjacent the tail end  28  for operating the apparatus  20  as will be explained in further detail. A motor  40  is also mounted on the body  22 . In one embodiment, the motor  40  is mounted on the body  22  so it is remote from the head end  26 . For example, in one embodiment the motor  40  is mounted at the tail end  28  to reduce weight at the head end  26  so the weight of the apparatus  20  is balanced near the handle. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the motor  40  has an output  42 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment the motor  40  has a conventional output shaft that rotates about the centerline  24  of the body  22 . Although the motor  40  is illustrated as being a conventional gasoline powered motor, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the motor may be of other types, including an electric motor, a pneumatic motor or a hydraulic motor. The motor  40  is operatively connected to one or more of the controls  34 . For example, the motor may be operatively connected to a trigger  44  ( FIG. 1 ) on the grip  32  so the output  42  of the motor  40  speeds up and slows down when the trigger is depressed and released, respectively. The motor  40  may also be operatively connected to a switch  46  for selectively turning the motor off when desired. As other aspects of the motor  40  are conventional or unrelated to central features of the current invention, they will not be described in further detail. 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 2 , a line supply, generally designated by  50 , is mounted on the body  22  of the apparatus  20 . In one embodiment, the line supply  50  includes a coil  52  rotatably held in a housing  54  mounted on the body  22  near the tail end  28 . In one embodiment, at least a portion of the housing  54  is visually transparent so a user can view the coil  52  to determine when the supply is low without opening the housing. The housing  54  includes a cover  56 . The cover  56  may be opened to insert fresh coils  52 . The housing  54  also includes a port  58  allowing line  60  in the coil  52  to exit the housing. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the supply  50  may have other forms such as line held on a spool or line held in a canister (not shown) without departing from the scope of the present invention. The line  60  extends between a supply end (not shown) and a working end  64  ( FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments, the line  60  is biodegradable to reduce an amount of time residual line lays around. For example, the biodegradable line  60  may be made of cottonoids, cellulosics, polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, polyhydroxybutyrate, or other suitable biodegradable materials. 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 2 , a line positioning mechanism, generally designated by  70 , is mounted on the body  22 . The mechanism  70  is operationally positioned between the supply  50  and the head end  26  of the body  20  and is operatively connectable to the line  60  extending out of the port  58  in the housing  54  to selectively position the line as will be explained. The mechanism  70  is operatively connectable to the line  60  to selectively position the working end  64  ( FIG. 1 ) of the line and firmly hold the line in place countering centrifugal force caused by spinning line as will be described below. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the mechanism  70  of one embodiment comprises a roller  72  rotatably mounted on the body  22 . The roller  72  includes a gear  74  that meshes with another gear  76  so the gears turn in opposite directions. The gear  76  is joined with another gear  78  so they turn together about a common axis. The roller  72  is positioned so the line  60  wraps at least partially around it to ensure the line is gripped securely by the roller. A worm gear  80  driven by an actuator or motor (e.g., electric motor  82 ) engages the gear  78  to turn the roller  72  to retract or advance the line  60 . The controls  34  also include a switch  84  for selectively energizing the motor  82  to rotate the roller  72  in directions suitable for advancing or retracting the line  60 . As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, several different types of actuators or motors may be used to turn the roller  72  without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment (not shown) it is envisioned the roller  72  may be operatively connected to the motor  40  to selectively drive the roller. In one embodiment, a line sensor  86  is located between the supply  50  and the mechanism  70  for detecting when the supply runs out. The sensor  86  is operatively connected to the motor  82  so that the line  60  cannot be advanced farther after the supply is empty. In one embodiment, the sensor  86  is a biased leaf switch. Alternatively, the sensor  86  may be connected to the motor  40  to stop the output  42  from turning. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the head end  26  of the body  22  has a housing  90  and a shroud  92 . A head  100  is rotatably connected to the housing  90 . The head  100  rotates about an imaginary axis  102  extending generally vertically when the centerline  24  of the body  22  is in its typical nominal operating position. As will be explained in further detail, the head  100  is operatively connected to the motor output  42  ( FIG. 2 ) for rotation about the imaginary axis  102  in response to operation of the motor  40 . The head  100  has a curved internal passage  104  extending from an inlet  106  directed generally along the imaginary axis  102  to an outlet  108  directed generally lateral to the imaginary axis. Although the passage  104  may have other sizes and shapes without departing from the scope of the present invention, in one embodiment the passage has a generally circular cross section having a generally uniform diameter  110  from about 6 millimeters (mm) to about 10 mm or more. This diameter permits the line  60  to freely pass through the passage  104 . Further, although the passage may have other shapes without departing from the scope of the present invention, in one embodiment the passage  102  curves about a radius  112  from about 2 centimeters (cm) to about 4 cm. Although the head  100  may be formed of other materials and in other ways, in one embodiment the head is molded from an impact resistant polymer such as high density polyethylene or ultra high molecular weight plastic. Tubing  114  is positioned in the head  100  to define the passage  104  so the line  60  does not abrade the head during operation. In one embodiment, the tubing  114  is made from stainless steel, but other materials having corrosion and abrasion resistance and a low coefficient of friction are also contemplated. Further, circumferential guides  116  are positioned above and below the outlet  108  to guide the line  60  so it wraps around the head  100  if it impacts an immoveable object. A sacrificial shield  118  may be attached to the head  100  to protect the head. The shield  118  may be replaced if it becomes worn such as from contacting the ground. A conventional line cutter  119  may be positioned on the shroud  92  for cutting the line  60 . As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the head  100  may be centrifugally balanced to account for imbalances including those caused by line  60  and tubing  114  weight. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 4 , the head  100  is connected to a hollow shaft  120  rotatably mounted in the housing  90 . In one embodiment, the shaft  120  is mounted on bearings  122 ,  124 , permitting the shaft to rotate about the imaginary axis  102  of the housing  100 . A bevel gear  126  is mounted on the shaft  120 . The bevel gear  126  meshes with another bevel gear  128  mounted on a shaft  130  extending generally along the centerline  24  of the body. The shaft  130  is operatively connected to the output  42  ( FIG. 2 ) of the motor  40 , so the bevel gears  126 ,  128  turn in response to the output shaft turning, resulting in the head  100  turning about the imaginary axis  102 . As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the gears  126 ,  128  form a transmission, generally designated by  132 . Although the bevel gears  126 ,  128  constitute the transmission  132  of one embodiment, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other conventional transmissions may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the transmission may be made from a U-joint, a flexible drive made of resilient material, a larger gear train, or a hydrostatic transmission. In alternative embodiments, it is envisioned that attachments such as brush cutting blades (not shown) may be attached to or may replace the head  100 . As these attachments are conventional, they will not be described in further detail. 
     The line  60  extends from the supply  50  through the line sensor  86  and around the roller  72 . In one embodiment, the roller  72  is housed in a housing  138  ( FIG. 1 ) adapted to guide the line  60  around roller and into a tube or passage  140  extending along the body  22  substantially parallel to the centerline  24 . Thus, the apparatus  20  can be loaded with line  60  without removing the housing  138 . The line  60  emerges from the passage  140  near the head end  26  of the body  20 . From this position, the line  60  extends through an opening  142  in the housing  90 , through a central opening  144  in the shaft  120 , and into the inlet  106  of the passage  104 . The line  60  continues through the passage  104  and to the outlet  108 . The line  60  extends from the outlet  108  of the passage  104  by a predetermined distance. In some embodiments, the tube  140  is at least partially visually transparent so a user can visually confirm that line  60  is present. 
     Operating the motor turns the head  100 , which swings a portion of the line  60  extending from the head  100  about the imaginary axis  102 . In one embodiment, the line  60  swings about the axis  102  at a speed sufficient to cut grass. Although the working end  64  of the line  60  may extend from the imaginary axis  102  by other distances without departing from the scope of the present invention, in one embodiment the working end of the line extends from the imaginary axis by a distance from about 10 cm to about 15 cm. Further, although the head  100  may spin about the imaginary axis  102  at other speeds, in one embodiment the head spins about the imaginary axis at speed from about 2000 rpm to about 10,000 rpm. 
     During use, the working end  64  of the line  60  frays and breaks. When the line  60  breaks off so the distance from the working end  64  to the imaginary axis  102  becomes shorter than optimal, the user may actuate the motor  82  to turn the roller  72  to advance line  60  from the supply  50 . As the other features of the operation of the apparatus  20  are conventional, they will not be described in further detail. 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, it is envisioned that light may be transmitted through the line  60  to improve an ability of a user to identify where the working end  64  of the line is positioned. It is contemplated that by knowing where the working end  64  of the line  60  is in relation to the shroud  92 , less line will be unnecessarily fed out and wasted. In one such embodiment, a light source  150  ( FIG. 2 ) such as a laser is operatively connected to the line  60  in the housing  54  for transmitting light energy to a line adapted to transmit the energy. For example, the line  60  may be optically transparent so it is able to transmit light energy. The light energy is transmitted through the line  60  from the source  150  to the working end  64  of the line. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, it is envisioned that the light source  150  may deliver light to the line  60  through a side of the line rather than through an end. As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the apparatus  20  may also include a sensor  152  mounted adjacent the working end  64  of the line opposite the end to which the light source  150  is connected for sensing or detecting light transmitted through the line. For example, the sensor  152  may include a lens  154  and fiber optic cable  156  that transmit light received from the working end  64  of the line  60  back to an indicator  158  ( FIG. 3 ) such as a lens on the controls  34 . By transmitting light through the line  60  and sensing when light is received by the sensor  152 , the proximity of the working end  64  of the line to the sensor can be estimated. In this way, the distance between the working end  64  of the line  60  and the imaginary axis  102  can be estimated. In an alternative embodiment, it is envisioned that proximity can be automatically detected and adjusted by operating the line positioning mechanism. In still other embodiments, the position of the working end  64  of the line  60  may be determined by mechanical or other types of proximity sensors. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the advancements provided by the hand held apparatus  20  described above are equally applicable to a riding or push mower, generally designated by  160 . The riding version may include an attachment that holds an apparatus  20  similar to that described above or, the riding mower  160  may include a body  162  mounted on wheels  164  for rolling on ground to support the body above the ground. A motor such as a gasoline powered motor  166  is mounted on the body  162 . The motor  166  is operatively connected by a generally conventional transmission to a head  170  rotatably mounted on the body  162 . The head  170  of this embodiment is generally similar to the previously described head  100 . A line supply  172  is mounted on the body  162  for supplying line  174  to the head  170 . It is envisioned that a line positioning mechanism (not shown) and a line position sensor (not shown) similar to those shown and described above may also be included in the design. As other features of this embodiment are conventional and well understood by those skilled in the art, they will not be described in further detail. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a fourth embodiment of the invention comprising apparatus, generally designated by  180 , adapted to be pulled behind a tractor, generally designated by  182 . As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the apparatus  180  may include a wheel  184  or a sled (not shown) for guiding a head  186  above the ground. A conventional drive mechanism such as a rotating shaft  188  powers the apparatus  180  in one embodiment to turn the head  186 . A line supply (not shown) is mounted on the apparatus for supplying line  190  to the head  186 . A line position sensor  192  operatively connected to a line positioning mechanism (not shown) similar to those described above are included in one embodiment of this design. It is envisioned that the line  190  may comprise a metal cable or chain to enhance an ability of the apparatus  180  to cut brush and thicker vegetation. Other features of this embodiment are conventional and will not be described in further detail. 
     A fifth embodiment of the invention comprising apparatus, generally designated by  200  is illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The apparatus  200  includes a self-propelled vehicle  202  mounted on tracks  204 . The apparatus  200  includes a motor  206  operatively connected to the tracks  204  for guiding one or more heads  208  over the ground. In one embodiment, three heads  208  are gang mounted in a deck  210  suspended from an arm  212  connected to the vehicle  202  for cutting vegetation. The apparatus  200  also includes a remotely operated controller  214  for controlling the apparatus. It is envisioned that the controller  214  may be used to steer the apparatus  200  as well as guide other functions of the apparatus as described above with respect to other embodiments of the present invention. It is further envisioned that the vehicle may include a wheel, a skid or a leg such as a robotic leg in addition to or instead of the track without departing from the scope of the present invention. As other features of this embodiment are conventional, they will not be described in further detail. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates another embodiment of the apparatus, generally designated by  220  of the present invention. Because many of the features of the fifth embodiment are identical to those of the first embodiment, they will not be described in detail. Rather, only those features that differ from the first embodiment of the apparatus  20  will be described. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the apparatus  220  of the fifth embodiment includes a body  222  having a grip  230  extending at an angle above the body. The grip  230  includes a coupling  232  for mounting the grip to the body  222 . The apparatus  220  also includes a handle  234  extending laterally from the body  222 . The handle  234  also includes a coupling  236  for mounting the handle to the body  222 . In one embodiment, the couplings  232 ,  236  are adjustable to position the grip  230  and the handle  234 , respectively, for maximum comfort. For example, the coupling  232  may allow the grip  230  to be moved axially to various positions along the body  222  and pivot laterally and/or pivot fore and aft to position the grip in various angles relative body. The grip  230  may also be rotatable about its longitudinal axis to various rotational angles and moveable vertically to positions spaced at various distances from the body  222 . Further, in one embodiment the coupling  232  and grip  230  may be moved independently in all these directions. In one embodiment, the coupling  236  and handle  234  are fully adjustable so the handle can be moved relative to the body  222  similarly to the grip  230 . In one embodiment, the apparatus  220  includes a saddle  240  for receiving a forearm of a user. The saddle  240  may also have padding and be adjustable to provide comfort to the user. It is believed that the adjustable grip  230 , handle  234  and/or saddle  240  will allow a user to operate the apparatus  220  for longer periods without discomfort. Longer periods of use are envisioned as a result of being able to use the apparatus  220  without disassembling the head to untangle the line or install fresh line. 
     As also shown in  FIG. 8 , the apparatus  220  has a supply housing  242  having a different configuration. It is envisioned that the housing  242  may be a point-of-sale container that fastens to the apparatus  220 . In some embodiments, the housing  242  includes screw threads or a bayonet mount for attaching the housing to the apparatus. As further illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the apparatus  220  includes a reconfigured line positioning mechanism, generally designated by  250 . The mechanism  250  includes a housing  252  having a roller (not shown) inside. The line wraps around the roller and is directed down a tube  254  as described above. In one embodiment, it is envisioned that a control switch  256  may be positioned on the grip  230  for controlling operation of the line positioning mechanism. As other features of the apparatus  220  of the fifth embodiment are identical to those of the first, they will not be described in further detail. 
       FIGS. 9-11  schematically illustrate various conceptual embodiments that the technology described above enables. For example,  FIG. 9  illustrates apparatus of a sixth embodiment of the present invention that is generally designated by  300 . The apparatus  300  includes a body  302 , a head  304  mounted at one end of the body and a motor  306  mounted at the other end of the body for rotating line  310  about an imaginary axis  312 . The apparatus  300  may include an energy source  320  operatively connected to the line  310  for transmitting information from the energy source  320  to an interior surface  330  of an object. For example, it is envisioned that high powered energy could be delivered through the line  310  to cut a portion of the interior surface  330 . As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the apparatus  300  can cut the interior surface  330  to various depths along its length. Alternatively, the apparatus  300  could mark the interior surface  330  with laser energy. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a laser apparatus functionally similar to this design may be used to cut vegetation. 
       FIG. 10  schematically illustrates apparatus of a seventh embodiment, generally designated by  340 . The apparatus  340  includes a body  342  having a head  344  at one end. The head  344  rotates an imaginary axis  346 . In this embodiment, line  350  extends through the body  342  to a sensor  360  positioned outside a hollow body  362 . The sensor  360  can “read” information, such as laser encrypted code, present on an inside surface  364  of the hollow body  362 . 
       FIG. 11  schematically illustrates apparatus of an eighth embodiment, generally designated by  370 . The apparatus includes a head  372  that rotates about an imaginary axis  374 . Line  380  extending through the head  372  holds a device  382  such as a cutting head, a laser or an energy source so that the device  382  can be spun about the imaginary axis in response to the head  372  spinning. Those skilled in the art, will appreciate that this apparatus  370  can be used to process the interiors of hollow bodies (not shown) 
     When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiments(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. 
     In view of the above, it will be seen that several advantages are achieved by the present invention. 
     As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.