Patent Publication Number: US-2019169809-A1

Title: Snow thrower

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/451,388, filed Mar. 6, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/540,574, filed Nov. 13, 2014, which is a continuation of PCT/US2013/040952, filed May 14, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 61/647,056, filed May 15, 2012, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Single-stage snow throwers utilize a single impeller to both cut through snow and discharge the snow through a chute. Existing single-stage snow throwers experience difficulties with large amounts of snow or hardened snow. Two-stage snow throwers cut the snow in a first stage with an auger and transfer the snow to an impeller which discharges the snow through the chute in a second stage. Existing two-stage snow throwers may not adequately handle deep snow, may not adequately clean hardened snow from the underlying terrain, may utilize complex and expensive transmissions and may be difficult to operate. 
     SUMMARY 
     One embodiment of the invention relates to a snow thrower including an auger housing, a center snow impelling blade housed within the auger housing, a first blade positioned on a first side of the center snow impelling blade and configured to be driven about a rotational axis of a drive shaft, and a second blade positioned on a second side of the center snow impelling blade and configured to be driven about the rotational axis of the drive shaft. The first blade and the second blade are housed within the auger housing and configured to drive snow to the center snow impelling blade. The auger housing directs snow to the center snow impelling blade, the first blade, and the second blade. 
     Another embodiment of the invention relates to a snow thrower including an auger housing and an auger assembly housed within the auger housing. The auger assembly includes a center snow impelling blade rotating about a rotational axis of a drive shaft and having one or more paddles extending radially outward from the rotational axis, a first helical blade positioned on a first side of the center snow impelling blade, and a second helical blade positioned on a second side of the center snow impelling blade. The first helical blade and the second helical blade are configured to be driven about a rotational axis of the drive shaft to drive snow to the center snow impelling blade. At least one portion of the one or more paddles is offset from the rotational axis. 
     Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be generally recited in the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of an example snow thrower with portions transparently shown. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of an example transmission of the snow thrower of  FIG. 1  with portions transparently shown. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of an example adjustable auger housing of the snow thrower of  FIG. 1  with portions transparently shown. 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan schematic view of the adjustable auger housing of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of the adjustable auger housing of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of an example housing support disc system of the snow thrower of  FIG. 1  with portions transparently shown. 
         FIG. 7  is a fragmentary front view of the housing support disc system of  FIG. 6  with portions transparently shown. 
         FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of an example implementation of the housing support disc system of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 9  is another front perspective view of the housing support disc system of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of an example auger system of the snow thrower of  FIG. 1  with portions transparently shown. 
         FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of the snow thrower of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of an example sweeper system of the snow thrower of  FIG. 1  with portions transparently shown. 
         FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of the snow thrower a  FIG. 1  including another example sweeper system in a lowered state. 
         FIG. 14  is a front perspective view of the snow thrower of  FIG. 12  with the sweeper system in a raised state. 
         FIG. 15  is a side view of another example sweeper of the sweeper system of  FIG. 13 , illustrating movement of a sweeper between raised and lowered positions. 
         FIG. 16  is a side view of another example sweeper of the sweeper system of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 17  is a side view of an example cutting system of the snow thrower of  FIG. 1  with portions transparently shown. 
         FIG. 18  is a rear perspective view of the snow thrower of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 19  is a fragmentary perspective view of the snow three of  FIG. 1  illustrating an example chute assembly. 
         FIG. 20  is a side view of an example chute of the assembly of  FIG. 19  with portions transparently shown to illustrate movement of the chute between two positions. 
         FIG. 21  is a side view of the snow thrower of  FIG. 1  illustrating an example lighting system. 
         FIG. 22  is a front view of the snow thrower of  FIG. 21 . 
         FIG. 23  is another front view of the snow for of  FIG. 21 . 
         FIG. 24  is a front perspective view of the snow thrower of  FIG. 21 . 
         FIG. 25  is a another front perspective view of the snow third of  FIG. 21 . 
         FIG. 26  is a side view illustrating an example handle arrangement of the snow thrower  FIG. 1  in different positions. 
         FIG. 27  is a side view of the snow thrower  FIG. 1  with another example handle arrangement in different positions. 
         FIG. 28  is a schematic diagram of an example control system of the snow thrower a  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 29  is a front perspective view of another example snow thrower. 
         FIG. 30  is a front view of the snow thorough  FIG. 29  with portions schematically shown. 
         FIG. 31  is a sectional view of the snow thrower of  FIG. 30  take along line  31 - 31 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of an example snow thrower  20 . Snow thrower  20  provides a person with the opportunity to clear snow in an easier and more cost-effective manner. Snow thrower  20  generally comprises a frame  22 , traction members  24 , vertical shaft engine  26 , transmission  28 , adjustable auger housing system  30 , housing support disc systems  32 , impeller housing  34 , auger system  36 , sweeping system  38 , cutting system  40 , impeller  42 , chute assembly  44 , lighting system  46 , handle arrangement  48  and control system  50 . 
     Frame  22  comprises one or more brackets, plates, bars, frames or other structures which support remaining components of snow thrower  20 . Traction members  24  comprise members movably supported in engagement with the underlying terrain  52  which are configured to engage in provide traction for movement along terrain  52 . For purposes of this disclosure, the phrase “configured to” denotes an actual state of configuration that fundamentally ties the stated function/use to the physical characteristics of the feature proceeding the phrase “configured to”. In the example illustrated, traction members  24  comprise wheels  54  rotatable about a traction axis  56 . In one implementation, traction members  24  are rotationally driven by engine  26 . In other implementations, traction members  24  may be manually pushed. In other implementations, traction members  24  may comprise wheels that drive endless tracks or other terrain engaging members. 
     Vertical shaft engine  26  comprises a vertical shaft engine supported by frame  22  and operably coupled to traction members  24  by traction or friction drive  28 . Transmission  28  receives torque from a vertical output shaft  60  from engine  26  and transmits such torque to drive traction members  54  as well as auger system  36 .  FIG. 2  is an enlarged view illustrating transmission  28 . As shown by  FIG. 2 , transmission  28  comprises pulley  62 , belt  63 , pulley  64 , friction plate or disc  66 , support  68 , bias  70 , friction wheel  72 , speed reducer  74 , pulley  76 , pulley  78 , belt  80  and right angle gear drive  82 . Pulley  62  is operably coupled to vertical output shaft  60  of engine  26  and drives belt  63  which wraps about pulley  64 . Pulley  64  is fixed to friction disk or plate  66  to rotationally drive the friction disk or plate  66  about vertical axis  86  which is rotationally supported by support  68 . In some implementations, plate  66  may be provided as part of pulley  64 . Support  68  pivots about axis horizontal axis  70  to move friction plate  66  between an engaged position in engagement with friction wheel  72  and a retracted or withdrawn position out of engagement with friction wheel  72 . Support  68  supports plate  66  below friction wheel  72  while bias  70  resiliently biases support  68  and plate  66  upward towards the engaged position. In the example illustrated, bias  70  comprises a torsion spring. 
     In other implementations, bias  70  may comprise other springs for resiliently biasing support  68  and plate  66  about a horizontal pivot axis. In some implementations, bias  70  may be omitted, wherein belt  63  solely supports plate  66  in the engaged position. In yet other implementations, friction plate  66  may be vertically movable upward into engagement with wheel  72  or vertically movable downward out of engagement with wheel  72  in other fashions other than through pivotal movement. 
     Friction wheel  72  comprises a wheel having an outer circumferential edge of frictional contact in engagement with friction plate  66  when friction plate  66  is rotationally supported in the engaged position by support  68 . Friction wheel  72  engages friction plate  66  at one or more locations eccentric to the rotational axis  86  of plate  66 . Friction wheel  72  receives and transmits torque from friction plate  66  to speed reducer  74 . 
     Friction wheel  72  and friction plate  66  cooperate to form a friction drive. In the example implementation illustrated, the friction drive formed by the interaction or friction joint between plate  66  and wheel  72  is located rearward of traction axis  56  and nominally rearward of the vertical shaft of engine  26 . In the example implementation illustrated, the friction drive is additionally located vertically above traction axis  56 . As a result of its location, the friction drive provided by friction wheel  72  and friction plate  66  is distant impeller housing  34  and chute assembly  44 . Rather than being located proximate to impeller housing  34  and chute assembly  44 , the friction drive is substantially isolated from the introduction of moisture by snow and ice or other the introduction of other contaminates. As a result, a dry clean environment for the friction drive is facilitated with a reduced reliance upon complex and costly moisture sealing structures, such as rubber gaskets and the like. 
     Because friction plate  66  moves or swings wings upwardly into engagement with friction wheel  72 , in cases a failure, such as failure of belt  63 , support  68  may fall under the force of gravity against the bias to reposition friction plate  66  out of frictional contact with wheel  72 . As a result, this arrangement facilitates an enhanced automatic disengagement of the drive driving traction members  54  in response to belt or other failures. In other arrangements, friction plate  66  may alternatively be located above friction wheel  72 . 
     Speed reducer  74  transmits torque from friction wheel  72  to an axle of traction members  54  about traction axis  56  while reducing the speed of such rotational motion. In the example illustrated, speed reducer  74  comprises a set of speed reducing pulleys and belts, pulleys  90 ,  94 ,  96 ,  98  and belts  100 ,  102 . In other implementations, sprocket and chain arrangements or gear trains may alternatively be utilized for speed reducer  74  or in place of and the other arrangements wherein belt and pulleys are disclosed. 
     Pulley  76 ,  78 , belt  80  and right angle gear box  82  cooperate to transmit torque from output shaft  60  to other implements, such as auger system  36  and impeller  42 . Pulley  76  is operably coupled to output shaft  60  and is connected to pulley  78  by belt  80 . Pulley  78  is fixed to an input shaft  104  of right angle gear box  82 . Right angle gear box  82  comprises series of gears whereby torque about a vertical axis is converted to torque about a horizontal axis, such as through the use of a pair of bevel gears (not shown). Torque from right angle gear box  82  is discharged through a horizontal output shaft  106  which is operably coupled to auger system  36  and impeller  42 . 
       FIGS. 3-5  illustrate adjustable auger housing system  30 . Adjustable auger housing system  30  houses auger system  36  and direct snow to auger system  36 . Adjustable auger housing system  30  comprises a main housing  130 , wings or extensions  132  and retainers  134 . Main housing  130  partially enclose and extends about at least one rotatable snow moving member, such as an auger as with a two-stage or three stage snow thrower or an auger/impeller as with a one stage snow thrower. In the example illustrated, main housing  130  houses auger system  36 , part of a 2+ stage snow thrower. Auger housing  130  directs snow to auger system  36  which move such snow to impeller  42 . In one implementation, auger housing  130  comprises a single integral structure integrally formed as a single unitary body of a single sheet or layer of material that is deformed or deep drawn. In other implementations, auger housing  130  may be formed from multiple structures which are welded, fastened or otherwise joined to one another. 
     Wings or extensions  132  comprise elongate flaps or panels pivotably coupled to main auger housing  130  on opposite sides of a mouth  138  of housing  130  for pivotal movement about axes  140  defined by hinges  142 . As shown by  FIGS. 4 and 5 , extensions  132  pivot between a first narrow position  144  shown in solid lines and a second extended or mouth widening position  146  shown in broken lines. In the mouth widening position  146 , extensions  132  and large the size of mouth  138  to capture and direct a greater width of snow. In one implementation, the mouth widening position  146  increases a width W on each side by at least 1 inch and nominally 2 inches, enabling the entire with of mouth  138  to be increased by at least 2 inches and nominally 4 inches. At the same time, repositioning of extensions  132  to the narrow position  144  decreases the width of mouth  138  when it is desirable to reduce a rate at which snow is captured and directed to augers, such as when the snow is deeper or heavy (wet). Reposition extension  132  to the narrow position  144  further reduces the width of mouth  138  and auger housing  30  for reduced consumption of space when in storage. In the example illustrated, pivotal movement of extensions  132  is independent; one extension  132  may be extended while the other extension  132  is retracted. 
     Retainers  134  secure and retain extensions  132  and at least either of positions  144 ,  146 . In one implementation, retainers  134  are configured to secure and retain extensions  132  and any of continuum of intermediate locations or positions between positions  144 ,  146 . In the example implementation shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , each retainer  134  comprises retaining plate  150 , links  151  and retaining pin  152 . Retaining plate  150  comprise a plate slidably supported along housing  130  by grooves, tracks or other guiding structures for movement between a first position shown in solid lines and a second extended position shown in broken lines. Links  151  comprise members pivotally connected at one end to extension  132  and at another end to plate  150  such that movement of extension  132  from the extended position  146  to the narrow position  144  slides plate  150  from the first position to the second extended position and vice versa. 
     Retaining pin  152  of each actuator  134  comprises a pin movable between a plate engaging position in which pin  162  engages plate  152  inhibit movement of plate  150  and a withdrawn position or disengaged position allowing plate  152  be moved. In one implementation, pin  152  comprises a threaded shaft or pin threadably engaging a threaded bore, allowing pin  152  to be rotated between engaging position in the disengaged position. In another implementation, pin  152  may be resiliently biased by spring towards the engaging position, allowing a person to pull pin  152  against the bias to the withdrawn or disengaged position. In one implementation, pin  152  has an axial end which frictionally engages a face of plate  150 . In another implementation, pin  152  projects partially into a depression or detent in plate  150 . In yet another implementation, the detent comprises a hole or opening extending completely through plate  150 , wherein pin  152  projects through the hole when in the engaged position. 
     In still other implementations, other retaining mechanisms may be used to selectively retain each extension  132  in either the narrow or mouth widening positions. For example, in other implementations, a powered actuator may be used to selectively move extension  132  between positions  144 ,  146  and to selectively retain extensions  132  between the positions  144 ,  146 . In one implementation, an electric solenoid may have a first end pivotally connected to housing  130  and a second end pivotally connected to an extension  132  to selectively move and retain the extension  132 . In another implementation, a hydraulic or pneumatic piston-cylinder assembly may have a first and pivotally connected to housing  130  and a second end pivotally connected to an extension  132  to selectively move and retain the extension  132 . In yet another implementation, such actuation and retention may be provided by a motor that rotatably drives a worm screw or threaded rod pivotably attached to extension  132  to pivot extension  132 . 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate one of housing support disc systems  32  in more detail. An example illustrated, snow thrower  20  includes two housing support disc systems  32 , one on each side. In other implementations, snow thrower  20  may include more than one housing support disc systems  32  on each side. As shown by  FIGS. 6 and 7 , each of housing support disc systems  32  comprises a rotatable disc  232  rotationally coupled to housing  130  for rotation about axis  234 . Disc  232  has an outer circumference  236  thinning below or lower than a bottom  238  of housing  130 . Disc  232  is configured to at least partially cut through or slice through packed snow, allowing snow thrower  20  to better remove packed snow and to inhibit housing  130  from undesirably riding up on such packed snow. At the same time, disc  232  rotates to reduce resistance to forward movement of snow thrower  20 . 
     In one implementation, disc  232  has at least an outer circumferential edge  236  that is sufficiently soft so as to not score underlying concrete or pavement. For example, in one implementation, disc  232  has an outer circumferential edge  236  having a polymeric surface. In one implementation, edge is formed from a high density polyethylene. In yet other implementations, an entirety of disc  232  may be formed from such a polymeric material, such as a high density polyethylene. In yet other embodiments, disc  232  may be formed from other materials or may have different degrees of sharpness to cut through packed snow while avoiding scoring of underlying pavement or concrete. 
     In one implementation, disc  232  has a thickness of less than or equal to 0.5 inches along the outer circumferential edge  236 . In one implementation, disc  232  has a uniform radial thickness. In another implementation, disc  232  tapers towards circumferential edge  236  to better facilitate cutting through packed snow. In yet other implementations, disc  232  may include multiple parallel blades or discs or may have other configurations. 
     In one implementation, each disc  232  is supported at an adjustable height with respect to a bottom  238  of housing  130 . In other words, each disc  232  is adjustable to one of a plurality of available positions. In the implementation shown in  FIG. 6 , disc  232  is rotatably supported and carried by a support bracket  240  which is itself movably coupled the housing  130 . In the example illustrated, support bracket  240  includes a pair of spaced slots  244  with a fastener  246  (a bolt) extending through each slot and a return  44  (one of which is shown) and through a corresponding opening within housing  130 , wherein a not secures the bolt in place to retain support bracket  240  and a selected position with respect to housing  130  to support disc  232  at a selected height with respect to housing  130 . In other implementations, support bracket  244  may be selectively secured at different positions with respect to housing  130  by other fasteners and other adjustable mounting mechanisms. In still other implementations, disc  232  may be directly secured to housing  130  in a manner to allow adjustable repositioning. For example, disc  232  may include a bolt which selectively positioned within an elongate slot formed within housing  130  and held in place by an associated nut. 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate housing support disc system  252 , a particular example implementation of housing support disc system  32 . Housing support discs system is similar to housing support discs system  32  except that housing support discs system  252  includes housing support disc  262  in place of disc  232 . In the example illustrated, disc  262  comprises a washer rotatably supported by bracket or support  240  at one of a plurality of different positions with respect to housing  130 . In other implementations, housing support discs system  252  may have other configurations. 
     As shown by  FIG. 1 , impeller housing  34  comprises a cylindrical structure, sometimes referred to as an impeller can, connected to a rear of auger housing  30  for receiving snow from auger assembly  36 . Impeller housing  34  surrounds and encloses impeller  42  and includes an outer opening through which snow is directed by impeller  42  into and through chute assembly  44 . 
     Auger assembly or system  36  comprises an arrangement of one or more augers to break apart snow and direct such snow into impeller housing  34  for further impelling by impeller  42 . In the example illustrated, auger assembly  36  provides for two levels of snow collection and breakup. As best shown by  FIG. 10 , auger system  36  is largely contained within auger housing  130  and comprises a main auger  300 , auxiliary auger  302 , auger gearbox  304 , and auxiliary auger drive  305  (schematically shown in  FIG. 11 ) provided by pulleys  306 ,  308  and belt  310 . Main auger  300  comprises a helical blade or series of blades rotatable about axis  312  so as to breakup snow and direct such snow towards a central opening where it may flow into impeller can or impeller housing  34 . 
       FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of snow thrower  20 , with some portions omitted to better illustrate other portions of snow thrower  20 .  FIG. 11  illustrates auger system  36  with auxiliary auger  302  and the auxiliary auger drive provided by pulleys  306 ,  308  and belt  310  being omitted. As shown by  FIG. 11 , the lower main auger  300  comprises multiple helical flights mounted to form a composite helical auger blade. In other implementations, floor main auger  300  and be formed as a single blade or may have other configurations. 
     In the example illustrated, main auger  300  has an outer diameter that is less than an outer diameter of impeller  42 . In one implementation, auger  300  has a diameter of less than or equal to 12 inches. Because main auger  300  has an outer diameter that is less than the outer diameter of impeller  42 , main auger housing  130  may be shallower, facilitating the formation of auger housing  130  from a single deep drawn sheet of material while at the same time maintaining the diameter of impeller  42  to maintain the snow throwing distance of snow thrower  20 . 
     As shown by  FIG. 10 , auxiliary auger  302  comprises one or more structures forming one or more helical blades that are rotatably supported by housing  130  above main auger  300 . Auxiliary auger  302  rates of snow above the lower main auger  300 . Like main auger  300 , auxiliary auger  302  channels snow towards the center of housing  130  and into impeller housing  34 . As a result, augers  300 ,  302  facilitate more efficient movement of deep snow. 
     In the example illustrated, auxiliary auger  302  has a diameter smaller than the diameter of auger  300 . In other implementations, auger  302  may have a diameter the same are larger than the diameter of auger  300 . In the example illustrated, auger  302  rotates in the same direction as auger  300 , clockwise as seen in  FIG. 10 . In other implementations, auger  302  may rotate in opposite direction as compared to auger  300 , in a counter clockwise direction as seen in  FIG. 10 . In yet other implementations, auxiliary auger  302  and its drive may be omitted. 
     Auxiliary auger drive  305 , provided by pulleys  306 ,  308  and belt  310 , transmits torque from horizontal shaft driving main auger  300  to the horizontal shaft supporting auxiliary auger  302  to drive auxiliary auger  302 . In the example illustrated, torque is transmitted to main auger  300  by auger gearbox  304  located at a center point of main auger  300 . Pulley  306  is fixed to a center shaft  312  of main auger  300  outside of auger housing  130  along a side of auger housing  130  to rotate with shaft  312 . Pulley  308  is fixed to a center shaft or drive shaft  314  of auxiliary auger  302  outside of auger housing  130  along the same side of auger housing  130  as pulley  306 . Belt  310  wraps about pulleys  306 ,  308  transmits torque along the outside of auger housing  130  from shaft  312  to shaft  314 . Because auxiliary auger drive  305  transmits torque auxiliary auger  302 , separate torque sources for auxiliary auger  302  may be omitted. Because drive  305  extends along in outside of auger housing  130 , the capacity of auger housing  130  is not reduced and drive  305  is at least partially isolated from the moisture and driving forces of the snow. 
     In other implementations, separate sources of torque, independent of main auger  300 , may be provided for auxiliary auger  302 . In other implementations, other mechanisms may be utilized to transmit torque from main auger  300  to auxiliary auger  302 . For example, gear trains or chain and sprocket assemblies may also be utilized for transmitting torque. Although illustrated as being along an outside surface of housing  130  (contained in a shield or box), in other implementations, drive  305  may be located within a box located along an interior of housing  130 . 
     Sweeping system  38  comprises a mechanism configured to provide a resiliently flexible support at a front end the snow thrower  20  for engaging the terrain while resiliently adapting to minor changes in the terrain (cracks, groups, ridges and the like) and for cleaning snow down to the terrain surface. As shown by  FIG. 12 , sweeping system  38  comprises sweeper  400 , scraper bar  402  and sweeper drive  404 . 
     Sweeper  400  comprises a member which rotates about axis  408  below the rotational axis of main auger  300 . Sweeper  400  has resiliently bendable, flexible or deformable extensions  406  that radially extend away from the rotational axis  408  of sweeper  400  into engagement with the underlying terrain. Such extensions  406  scrape or brush against the underlying terrain  410  to support auger housing  130  above the terrain. Such extensions resiliently flex or deform when encountering irregularities in terrain  410 , such as cracks, bumps, ridges and the like to conform to such irregularities for removing snow from against such irregularities while also reducing sharp jolts which might otherwise occur when auger housing  130  would otherwise bump into such irregularities. In one implementation, such extensions  406  comprise tines or bristles. In another implementation, extensions  406  comprise flexible or deformable paddles. 
     Scraper bar  402  comprises a blade, edge or panel adjacent sweeper  400  rearward of the rotational axis  408  of sweeper  400 . Scraper bar  402  engages sweeper  400  proximate to an outer circumferential perimeter of sweeper  400 . Scraper bar  402  removes snow from sweeper  400  and directs such snow into auger housing  130 . Scraper bar  402  inhibits recirculation the snow back to terrain  410 . In other implementations, scraper bar  402  may be omitted. 
     Sweeper drive  404  rotationally drives sweeper  400  about axis  408 . In the example illustrated, drive  404  rotates sweeper  400  in a clockwise direction while main auger  300  is driven in a counter clockwise direction. Sweeper drive  404  comprises auger driven gear  414 , driven gear  416 , pulley  418 , pulley  420  and belt  422 . Auger driven gear  414  comprises a gear fixed to center shaft  312  of auger  300  to rotate with the rotation of center shaft  312 . 
     Driven gear  416  comprise a gear rotationally supported by housing  130  in meshing engagement with gear  414 . Driven gear  416  is fixed to pulley  418  so as to rotate pulley  418 . Pulley  420  is fixed to a center shaft  424  of sweeper  400 . Belt  422  wraps about and connects pulleys  418  and  420 . As a result, rotation of auger  300  also rotates sweeper  400 . 
     In other implementations, separate drives and separate sources of torque may be provided for sweeper  400 . In other implementations, sweeper  400  may not be driven. In other implementations, other mechanisms may be utilized to transmit torque from auger  300  to sweeper  400 . For example, a chain and sprocket arrangement or a gear train may alternatively be utilized. 
       FIGS. 13-15  illustrate snow thrower  20  having an alternative sweeper system  438 . Like sweeper system  38 , sweeper system  438  includes a sweeper  400  that provides a resiliently flexible support at a front end the snow thrower  20  for engaging the terrain while resiliently adapting to minor changes or irregularities in the terrain (cracks, grooves, ridges and the like) and for cleaning snow down to the terrain surface. In addition, sweeper  400  of sweeper system  438  is actuatable between a lowered state or position shown in  FIG. 13  and a raised state or position shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     In addition to sweeper  400 , sweeper system  438  comprises swing arms  440  and sweeper drive  442  (shown in  FIG. 15 ). Swing arms  440  comprise arms having a first end pivotally coupled or connected to opposite sides of auger housing  130  and a second end pivotally coupled or connected to opposite sides of sweeper  400 . Swing arms  440  are configured to pivot sweeper  400  between the lowered position shown in  FIG. 13  in which the rotational axis sweeper  400  underlies rotational axis of auger  300  and underlies a bottom of auger housing  130  and the raised position shown in  FIG. 14  in which sweeper  400  is positioned above auger housing  130  and above the mouth of auger housing  130 . 
     In other implementations, swing arms  440  may alternatively be configured to move sweeper  400  between lowered and raised positions at which sweeper  400  extends at other positions or locations relative to auger housing  130 . When in either the raised position or the lowered position, swing arms  440  are releasably locked or retained in place by one or more retaining mechanisms, such as a pin carried by one or both of swing arms  440  and resiliently biased towards a first detent in auger housing  130  when sweeper  400  is in the lowered position and a second detent in auger housing  130  when sweeper  400  is in the raised position. In other implementations, swing arms  440  may be pivoted by powered actuator, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder-piston assembly having one end pivotally coupled to auger housing  130  and another end coupled to swing arms  440 , wherein the powered actuator also serves to retain swing arms  440  and sweeper  400  in either the raised or lowered position. 
     Sweeper drive  442  rotationally drive sweeper  400 . At the same time, sweeper drive  442  permits sweeper  400  to be pivoted between the raised and lowered positions.  FIG. 15  illustrates one example sweeper drive  442 . Sweeper drive  442  comprises auger gear  414  (shown in  FIG. 12 ), driven gear  418  (shown in  FIG. 12 ), belt  422 , pulley  446 , gear  448  and gear  450 . Belt  422  extends from driven gear  418  and wraps about pulley  446 . Pulley  446  is operably coupled to gear  448  to rotate gear  448 . Gear  448  has outer teeth in meshing engagement with outer teeth of gear  450 . Gear  450  is fixed to center shaft  424  of sweeper  400  such that rotation of gear  450  rotates center shaft  424  and sweeper  400 . Swinging of sweeper  400  out of the lowered position to the raised position disengages gear  450  from gear  448 . 
     In one implementation, sweeper drive  442  is additionally configured to rotationally drive sweeper  400  and sweeper  400  is in the raised position. For example, in some implementations such as where sweeper  400  is adjacent the mouth of auger housing  300  to contact snow and drive snow into auger housing  300 , it may be beneficial to rotationally drive sweeper  400 . In such an implementation, sweeper drive  442  may additionally comprise driven gear  456 , pulley  458 , belt  460 , pulley  462  and gear  464 . 
     Driven gear  456  comprises a gear rotationally supported by auger housing  130  and having teeth in meshing engagement with teeth of auger gear  414  (shown in  FIG. 12 ). Pulley  458  is fixed to gear  456  to rotate with gear  456 . Belt  460  wraps about pulley  458  and wraps about pulley  462 . Pulley  462  is fixed to gear  464 . Gear  464  is rotationally supported by auger housing  130  and had teeth configured to be placed into meshing engagement with teeth of gear  450  when sweeper  400  is raised and retained in the raised position. Swinging of sweeper  400  out of the race position to the lowered position disengages gear  450  from gear  464 . 
     Although not illustrated, in other implementations, sweeper drive  442  may include an additional gear rotationally supported by auger housing  130  between gear  464  and gear  450  when sweeper  400  is in the raised position. The additional intermediate gear, in meshing engagement both gear  464  and gear  450 , changes the direction of rotation to rotationally drive sweeper  400  in an opposite direction. In other implementations, sweeper drive  442  may have other configurations. For example, in lieu of relying upon belt and pulley arrangements, sweeper drive  442  may alternatively utilize one or more of chain and sprocket arrangements or gear trains. In some implementations, the upper portion of sweeper drive  442  may be omitted, wherein sweeper  400  merely idles when in the raised position. 
       FIGS. 15 and 16  further illustrate different example implementations of sweeper  400 . As shown by  FIG. 15 , in one implementation, sweeper  400  comprises a cylindrical brush having tines or bristles  470 ,  472 . Bristles  470  have a longer length and a lower degree of rigidity (greater flexibility) as compared to bristles  472 . Due to their greater rigidity, bristles  472  offer a greater degree of support for auger housing  130  (when sweeper  400  is in a lowered position) and offer greater ability to break up, dislodge and lift packed snow. At the same time, bristles  470 , due to their longer length and increased flexibility, offer the ability to reach into crevices and cracks to remove snow. In the example illustrated, bristles  470  and  472  are intermingled amongst one another about a circumference of sweeper  400 . In other implementations, bristles  470  and  472  may be clustered in groups or bands. In some implementations, sweeper  400  may be removably attached, allowing it to be interchanged with other sweepers having different characteristics to accommodate different snow characteristics. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates sweeper  480 , another implementation of sweeper  400 . Sweeper  480  is similar to sweeper  407  except that sweeper  480  includes a plurality of resilient flexible and bendable paddles  482  circumferentially arranged about rotational axis  408  of sweeper  480 . In yet other implementations, sweeper  400  may have other configurations. 
     Cutting system  40  comprises a system or mechanism to direct a fluid (gas and/or liquid) at packed snow (or ice). In the example illustrated, as shown by  FIGS. 11 and 17 , cutting system  40  comprises compressed gas source  500 , tube or conduit  502 , additive source  504 , heater  506  and compressed gas knife  508 . Compressed gas source  500  comprises source of compressed gas, such as compressed air. In other implementations, the compressed gas may comprise other types of gases. In one implementation, compressed gas source  500  comprises a compressor. In one implementation, compressed gas source  500  comprises a belt driven compressor, wherein a belt  511  is operably between pulley  512  connected to the vertical output shaft  60  and pulley  514  connected to an input shaft of the belt driven compressor  500  (as seen in  FIG. 2 ). In other implementations, the powering of the compressor serving as source  580  connected to vertical output shaft  60  by a chain and sprocket assembly or a gear train. In other implementations, compressed gas source  500  may comprise a compressor that is electrically powered. In other implementations compressed gas source  500  may comprise one or more tanks of pre-compressed gas which are selectively discharged to knife  508 . 
     Conduit  502  extends from compressed gas source  500  to compressed gas knife  508 . Conduit  502  comprises a plenum, manifold or tube. In implementations where compressed gas source  500  extends adjacent to knife  508 , conduit  502  may be omitted. 
     Additive source  504  (schematically shown) comprises a mechanism configured to supply one or more additives to the stream of compressed gas supplied by source  500 . In one implementation, additive source  500  comprises a reservoir of one or more additives which are drawn into the stream of compressed gas flowing through conduit  502 , such as along a venturi in conduit  502 . In another implementation, additive source  504  includes a pump for actively pumping one or more additives, added a selectively adjustable rate, into the stream of compressed gas from source  500 . 
     In one implementation, additive source  504  adds alcohol to the stream of compressed gas to facilitate melting of the compacted snow or ice. In another implementation, additive source  504  adds other melting ingredient such as a calcium chloride slurry, a liquid deicer or a liquid snow melter. In yet other implementations, additive source  504  may add one or more other additives or may be omitted. 
     Heater  506  comprises a device or mechanism to apply heat to the stream of compressed gas and/or additives flowing through conduit  502 . In other implementations, heater  506  may heat the gas or additives prior to such gas are additives entering conduit  502 . By applying heat to the gas and/or additives, heater  506  further enhances the ability of air knife  508  to cut through or breakup compacted snow and ice. In one implementation, heater  506  comprises one or more thermally conductive structures that thermally conduct heat from one or more portions of engine  26  to locations adjacent to conduit  502  to heat an interior of conduit  502 . In another implementation, heater  506  comprises a conduit which channels air heated by engine  26  to conduit  502  to heat an interior of conduit  502  or to heat portions of source  500  or source  504 . In one implementation, conduit  502  itself may extend adjacent to portions of engine  26  to receive heat from engine  26 . In such implementations, at least portions of conduit  502  such as those portions extending adjacent to the heat transfer mechanisms of heater  506  may be formed from highly thermally conductive material such as aluminum or copper. As a result, heat generated by engine  26  that would otherwise be discharge may be recycled to assist in breaking up cutting through compacted snow. 
     In other implementations, heater  506  may comprise one or more electrically resistive heat generating coils encircling or extending adjacent to portions of conduit  502  or portions of sources  500 ,  504 , wherein electric current is circulated across the coils to heat the gas and/or additives. In another implementation, heater  506  may alternatively or additionally heat the compressed gas source knife  508 , wherein the heated portions of knife  508  may heat the gas or additives passing their through or wherein knife  508  itself may be brought into contact with compacted snow. In other implementations, heater  506  may be omitted. 
     Compressed air knife  508  comprises a mechanism configured and supported so as to direct the compressed gas and/or additives at the terrain  52  underlying snow thrower  20 . In one implementation, knife  508  directs the compressed gas and/or additives at a forward angle, forward of lower edge of a mouth of auger housing  130 . As shown by  FIG. 11 , in one implementation, knife  508  extends along a majority of an axial length of main auger  300 . In one implementation, knife  508  comprises a manifold having a plurality of outlets, nozzles or orifices  512  dispose along edge  514  of scraper bar  516  located along a lower edge of a mouth of auger housing  130 . In one implementation, the compressed gas and/or additives is directed toward at least one area ahead of main auger  300  and another area behind main auger  300 . In one implementation, the compressed gas and/or additives are directed forward a rotational axis of main auger  300  also being directed rearward of the rotational axis of main auger  300 . 
     In one implementation, knife  508  directs the gas/additives forwardly of the edge  514  of scraper bar  516 . In one implementation, the orifices  512  extend at different angles towards the underlying terrain  52 . Because the gas and/or additives are directed at different angles at different locations in the pack snow, the gas and/or additive may more effectively breakup the pack snow. 
     In the example illustrated, the compressed gas or compressed air is provided a pressure and rate to remove snow that is not removable by auger  300 , such as compacted or compressed snow. In one implementation, the compressed gas is pulsed. In one implementation, the pulses of the compressed gas are user adjustable between a plurality of non-zero pulsed settings. 
     In one implementation, characteristics of the compressed gas and/or additives (the selection of additives or the rate at which additives are added) may be varied in response to signals received from one or more sensors  520  which detect one or more characteristics of the snow. For example, in one implementation, optical sensors may be utilized to detect a degree to which the snow is compacted. Based on signals from such optical sensors, controller may turn on or turned off the supply of compressed gas and/or the addition of additives. In one implementation, the controller may adjust characteristics of the compressed gas and/or characteristics of the additive being supplied through manifold knife  508 . In one implementation, the angle at which compressed air and/or additives is directed toward the snow or the specific nozzles or orifices from which the compressed gas and/or additives may be controlled or adjusted based upon such signals. For example, compressed gas at different pressures may be ejected from different orifices. 
     In one implementation, the pulse at which compressed gas is supplied by source  500  or released by knife  508  may be adjusted based upon signals from sensor  520 . In one implementation, the signal from sensor  520  may additionally or alternatively be utilized to control the heating provided by heater  506 . In one implementation, sensors  520  may additionally or alternatively include a temperature sensor, wherein adjustments are made by controller in response to the sensed temperature. For example, heat being supplied by heater  506  may be increased in response to the sensing of extremely cold temperatures falling below a predefined threshold. In one implementation, each of the aforementioned characteristics such as the heat being supplied by heater  506 , the existence or mixture of additives being supplied by additives source  504  and the characteristics of the compressed gas being supplied by source  500  or being released by knife  508  may be adjusted by one or more actuators actuated in response to control signals from a controller based upon one or more sensors or based upon manual inputs or control adjustments made by the user. 
     Impeller  42  comprises a rotatable snow moving member within impeller housing  34  that is configured to receive snow from auger system  36  burn opening within auger housing  130  and is further configured to throw or impel such snow through an opening in impeller housing  34  and through chute assembly  44 . As noted above, in one implementation, impeller  42  has an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of main auger  300 , wherein the smaller outer diameter of main auger  300  allows auger housing  130  to be shallower such that are housing  130  may be formed from a single layer or sheet of material that is deformed, bent or deep drawn and wherein the larger diameter of impeller  42  maintains the throw distance for snow thrower  20 . 
     Chute assembly  44  directs the snow impelled by impeller  42  away from snow thrower  20  in one or more directions. Chute assembly  44  comprises lower or main chute  600 , main chute rotating system  602 , deflector  604  and deflector deflection system  606 . Main chute  600  comprises a tubular structure extending upward from an opening within impeller housing  34 . 
     Main chute rotating system  602  comprise a mechanism configured to rotate main chute  600  about a vertical or a substantially vertical axis. In the example illustrated, main chute rotating system  602  utilizes one or more powered (rotational torque not being directly manually generated) sources.  FIGS. 18 and 19  illustrate one particular example implementation of main chute rotating system  602 . As shown by  FIG. 18 , system  602  comprises annular ring gear  610 , pinion gear  612 , actuator  614  and manual control  616 . 
     Annular ring gear  610  is affixed to main chute  600  so as to rotate with main chute  600 . Gear  610  has downwardly facing teeth enmeshed engagement with pinion gear  612 . Pinion gear  612  is operably coupled to actuator  602  for being rotated by actuator  602 . In the example illustrated, actuator  602  comprises an electrically powered motor (powered off of a battery). In the example illustrated, actuator  602  comprises a precisely controllable motor, such as a step motor or servomotor. Actuator  602  is connected to manual control  616  in a wired or wireless fashion (as schematically shown). Manual control  616  comprises a device configured to control actuator  602  in response to manual inputs from a person. In the example illustrated, manual control  616  comprises a three position toggle switch, wherein the depressment of one side of the switch results in rotation of main chute  600  in a first direction, wherein the depressment of the other side of the switch results in rotation of main chute  600  in a second opposite direction and wherein the switch in the neutral default position maintains chute  600  in a stationary position. In other implementations, other rotary actuators and other manual controls may be utilized. In still other implementations, actuator  614  and manual control  616  may be omitted, wherein rotational torque for rotating pinion gear  612  and chute  600  may alternatively be generated manually through the use of a manual crank. 
     Deflector  604  receives snow from main chute  600  and directs or deflects the snow at one of a plurality of selected angles with respect to horizontal. The selected angle impacts the height of the snow being thrown and the location at which the thrown snow lands.  FIG. 20  illustrates deflector  604  in more detail. As shown by  FIG. 20 , deflector  604  is configured to telescope with respect to main chute  600 . 
     In the example illustrated, deflector  604  comprises a tubular chute member having a top wall  620  and a pair of sidewalls  622 . In the example illustrated, deflector  604  is open opposite to top wall  620 . In the example illustrated, lower main chute  600  has one of projections and detents well the upper chute or deflector  604  has the other of projections and detents, wherein at least one of the chute  600  and deflector  604  resiliently flex to permit projections to be snapped into the detents and wherein the projections and the detents cooperate to permit pivoting of deflector  604  relative to chute  600 . In the example illustrated, main chute  600  includes an elongate slot  630  while deflector  622  has an elongate slot  632 . Main chute  600  has a projection  636  received within slot  632  while deflector  604  has a projection  638  received within slot  630 . Slots  630 ,  632  and projection  636 ,  638  form a four-bar linkage facilitating pivoting and telescoping of deflector  604  with respect to main chute  600 . As a result, deflector  604  may be positioned outside of a normal arc. Deflector  604  and chute  600  may additionally be attached through a simple manual snapping into place. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates the repositioning of deflector  604  as a result of pivoting of deflector  604  such that projection  636  moves from position  1  to position  2  within slot  632  and such that projection  638  moves from position  1  to position  2  in slot  630 . In other implementations, the shape of slots  630 ,  632  and their relative positions may be adjusted to provide different available paths or arcs for deflector  604 . In other implementations, in lieu of slots and pins, deflector  604  and main chute  600  may utilize other projections and detents, such as tongue grooves and the like. 
     As shown by  FIG. 18 , deflector deflection system  606  comprise a mechanism to selectively reposition deflector  604  with respect to chute  600  and to retain deflector  604  in a selected one of a plurality of available positions. In the example illustrated, system  606  comprises actuator  650  and manual control  652 . Actuator  650  comprises a powered device (torque or force to reposition deflector  604  not being manually provided) to move deflector  604 . In the example illustrated, actuator  650  comprises a linear actuator having one end attached to main chute  600  and a second end pivotally connected to deflector  604 . In the implementation shown, actuator  650  comprises an electric solenoid (powered by a battery) mounted chute  600  and pivotally attached to deflector  604 . In other implementations, actuator  650  may comprise a linear actuator such as a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder-piston assembly having one portion fixed to chute  600  and a second portion (the piston) pivotally coupled to deflector  604 . Actuator  650  is in communication with and connected to manual control  652  in a wired or wireless fashion (as schematically shown). 
     Manual control  652  comprises a device configured to control actuator  650  in response to manual inputs from a person. In the example illustrated, manual control  652  comprises a three position toggle switch, wherein the depressment of one side of the switch results in pivoting of deflector  604  in a first direction, wherein the depressment of the other side of the switch results in pivoting of deflector  604  in a second opposite direction and wherein the switch in the neutral default position maintains deflector  604  in a stationary position. In other implementations, other actuators (rotary and linear) and other manual controls may be utilized. In still other implementations, actuator  650  and manual control  652  may be omitted, wherein repositioning of deflector  604  may alternatively be performed through the direct application of manual force to deflector  604  and wherein the selected position may be secured through use of a manually actuated set screw and the like. 
     Lighting system  46  supplies and directs light to regions proximate to snow thrower  20 . As shown by  FIGS. 11 and 21 , lighting system  46  comprises chute mounted lights  700  and auger housing mounted lights  702 . Chute mounted lights  700  comprise one or more sources of light (powered by a battery or other energy source) mounted to or coupled to lower main chute  600  configured to emit light in a forward direction with respect to chute  600  as indicated by arrows  706 . In the example illustrated in  FIG. 21 , lights  700  include a top-flight focus up and to one side, a center light focused straight ahead and a bottom light focused down and out to the other side, wherein a wide zone is illuminated. In other implementations, the focusing of such lights may be different. Because lights  700  are mounted to main chute  600  which is selectively rotatable (as described above), the area being lit by lights  700  may be also selected in response to a person rotating chute  600 . In other words, lights  700  may be aimed by the user using the same mechanism that rotates main chute  600 . 
     Housing mounted lights  702  comprise one or more sources of light (powered by a battery or other energy source) mounted to auger housing  130  or otherwise provided above and adjacent to the mouth of auger housing  130 . In the example illustrated, lights  702  or carried by a rim  710  of auger housing  130 . Lights  702  aim or focus light in a forward direction in front of auger housing  130 . Because lights  702  are mounted along the rim of auger housing  130 , lights  702  are closest to the front of snow thrower  20 , being able to better illuminate regions in front of snow thrower  20 . 
     Lights  702  cooperate with lights  700  to provide a composite lit region which includes both regions in front snow thrower  20  as well as regions to either side of snow thrower  20 . In particular, lights  702  illuminate areas in front of snow thrower  20  while light  700 , upon the rotation of chute  600 , illuminate areas to a side of snow thrower  20 . As a result, the person using snow thrower  20  cannot only better see where he or she is pushing or driving snow thrower  20 , but also where the snow is being thrown by snow thrower  20 . In other implementations, other light sources may be employed. In other implementations, one or both of light sources  700 ,  702  may be omitted. 
       FIGS. 22-25  illustrate snow thrower  724 , another example implementation of a snow thrower  20  including another example implementation of lighting system  46 . Snow thrower  724  is similar to snow thrower  20  except that snow thrower  724  includes alternative locations for light sources  702 . In the example shown in  FIGS. 22-25 , a top panel or top wall of water housing  130  has a downwardly bent rim  720  upon a front surface of which are mounted light sources  702 . Power supply to such light sources through or along a backside of auger housing  130  behind rim  720 . In other implementations, a top surface of our housing  130  may be provided with one or more solar panels which may be used to collect solar energy which is stored in a battery in later use by light sources  702  for powering light sources  702  when needed. 
     Handle arrangement  48  comprises a handle mechanism by which a person may push and/or steer snow thrower  20  as well as control operation of snow thrower  20 . Handle arrangement  48  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) accommodates persons of different height and preferences. As shown by  FIG. 26 , handle arrangement  48  comprises arms  800 , dashboard  802  and manual inputs  804 . 
     Arms  800  comprise bars, rods or other elongated structures having a first end portion  808  pivotally connected or coupled to frame  22  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis  810  and a second end portion  812  pivotally connected to dashboard  802  for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis  814 . 
     Dashboard  802  comprises one or more structures extending generally above arms  800  and pivotally connected arms  800  about axis  814 . Dashboard  802  carries or supports one or more manual controls  804 . As shown by  FIG. 26  which illustrates two alternative positions for handle arrangement  48 , arms  800  may pivot about axis  810  in a first direction while dashboard  802  pivots about axis  814  in a second opposite direction such that the overall height of handle arrangement  48  may be reduced or increased while reducing or minimizing a change in the horizontal or angular orientation of dashboard  802  and the supported manual controls  804 . In addition, not only the height of dashboard  802  may be adjusted, but also its horizontal positioning. In such an example, handle arrangement  48  offers four repositioning points, the extreme positions or endpoints of the arcs about axes  810  and  814  at any point between which arms  800  and dashboard  802  may be selectively positioned and retained. 
     Manual controls  804  comprise devices by which manual inputs may be provided to snow thrower  20 . As noted above, examples of manual controls  804  include manual controls  616  and  652  utilized to control the positioning of main chute  600  and deflector  604 . Manual controls  804  further include controls to adjust the speed at which snow thrower  20  is being propelled are driven as well as to adjust the speed or torque of auger system  36  and impeller  42 . As schematically shown by  FIG. 1 , in one implementation, snow thrower  20  includes a controller  820  operably coupled to one or more actuators (solenoids and the like), wherein the controller generates control signals causing the actuators to selectively adjust output of engine  26  and/or the transmission of snow thrower  20 . 
     For purposes of this application, the term “processing unit” shall mean a presently developed or future developed processing unit that executes sequences of instructions contained in a memory. Execution of the sequences of instructions causes the processing unit to perform steps such as generating control signals. The instructions may be loaded in a random access memory (RAM) for execution by the processing unit from a read only memory (ROM), a mass storage device, or some other persistent storage. In other embodiments, hard wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement the functions described. For example, controller  820  may be embodied as part of one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Unless otherwise specifically noted, the controller is not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software, nor to any particular source for the instructions executed by the processing unit. 
     Controller  820  generates such control signals (for adjusting output of the engine  26  or its associated transmission to adjust a speed at which snow thrower  20  is driven or propelled and/or to adjust a speed or torque of auger system  36  or impeller  42 ) in response to input to manual inputs or controls  804  which results in electrical control signals being transmitted through an electrical transmitting line  824  (schematically shown) to controller  820 . For example, one or more of manual controls  804  may include one or more electrical switches which caused the generation of electrical control signals which are transmitted or otherwise communicated to controller  820 . Because snow thrower  20  utilizes electronics and electrical signals generated at dashboard  802  to control the operation of snow thrower  20 , rather than push pull cables and other force-type transmission mechanisms that rely upon the transmission of force from the handle to control the operation of snow thrower  20 , handle arrangement  48  may be moved through such multiple pivot points and arcs for user customization without impacting the transmission of control inputs. In particular, with push pull cables and other force type control transmissions, repositioning of the handle may impact the length or path of the push pull cable which may impact the receipt of control inputs. Because snow thrower  20  utilizes electrical signals, such variations are omitted; the control system of snow thrower  20  offers greater consistency and reliability. 
     In other implementations, electrical transmitting line  824  may be omitted, where such control signals are communicated wirelessly in response to inputs provided by manual controls  804  on dashboard  802 . In other implementations, push pull cables may be utilized to transmit control adjusting actions entered by manual controls  84  to controller  820  or directly to the actuators associate with engine  26  or the transmission. 
       FIG. 27  illustrates snow thrower  20  with handle arrangement  848 , an alternative implementation handle arrangement  48 . Handle arrangement  848  is similar to handle arrangement  48  except that handle arrangement  848  additionally includes lower arms  852  (two alternative positions of the pair of arms  852  being shown). Each of the lower arms  852  includes a lower portion right  56  housing  22  for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis  858  and a second portion  860  pivotally connected to one of arms  800  for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis  862 . Each lower arm  852  further includes an elongate slot  864  receiving a projection or pin  866  projecting from the associated arm  800 . Slot  864  slide receives pin  866  to limit an extent to which arm  852  may pivot about axis  862  with respect to arm  852 . Each of arms  800 ,  852  and dashboard  802  are selectively retained in one of a plurality of positions by one or more retainers or retaining mechanisms, such as pins and detents (not shown). 
     As shown by  FIG. 27  which illustrates two alternative positions for handle arrangement  848 , arms  852  may pivot about axes  858 , arms  800  may pivot about axis  866  in a first direction while dashboard  802  pivots about axis  814  in a second opposite direction such that the overall height of handle arrangement  48  may be reduced or increased while reducing or minimizing a change in the horizontal orientation of dashboard  802  and the supported manual controls  804 . In addition, not only the height of dashboard  802  may be adjusted, but also its horizontal positioning. In such an example, handle arrangement  48  offers six repositioning points, the extreme positions or endpoints of the arcs about axes  858 ,  862  and  814  at any point between which arms  858 ,  800  and dashboard  802  may be selectively positioned and retained. In such an implementation, dashboard  802  may be vertically moved without any horizontal movement of dashboard  802 . 
     Control system  50  facilitates user control of the operation of snow thrower  20 .  FIG. 28  schematically illustrates control system  50 . As shown by  FIG. 28 , control system  50  comprises battery  900 , female charging port  902 , retractable charging plug  904 , variator  906 , variator  908 , manual inputs or manual controls  804  (also forming part of handle arrangement  48 ), speed display  912  and throw display  916 . Although not illustrated, in other implementations, control system  50  may include additional display elements and additional manual controls. Battery  900  comprises a rechargeable battery supported by frame  22  for storing and supplying power to snow thrower  20 . 
     Female charging port  902  comprise a female electrical port for being connected to a male plug of electrical cord to allow battery  900  to be connected to an electrical outlet for charging battery  900  or for directly supplying power to snow thrower  20  during starting of engine  26 . In the example illustrated, female charging port  902  is housed or supported in dash panel or dashboard  802 . In other implementations, port  902  may have other locations on snow thrower  20 . 
     Retractable charging plug  904  comprise a male electrical plug at the end of a retractable coil. Plug  904  is configured to be pulled from snow thrower  20  and connected to inlet outlet for charging battery  900  or for supplying and directing power during starting of engine  26 . In the example illustrated, plug  904  and its retractable coil are provided on dash panel or dashboard  802 . In other implementations, plug  904  may extend from other portions of snow thrower  20 . 
     Variator  906  comprise a mechanical variator operably coupled between engine  26  and auger system  36  an impeller  42  as part of the transmission of snow thrower  20 . For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” shall mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. The term “operably coupled” shall mean that two members are directly or indirectly joined such that motion may be transmitted from one member to the other member directly or via intermediate members. The term “fluidly coupled” shall mean that two are more fluid transmitting volumes are connected directly to one another or are connected to one another by intermediate volumes or spaces such that fluid may flow from one volume into the other volume. 
     Variator  906  is configured to vary or split power being delivered to auger system  36  and impeller  42  such that auger system  36  may be driven at a different speed and/torque as compared to impeller  42 . In one implementation, variator  906  comprises a frictional mechanical variator. In other implementations, other forms of a variator may be employed. 
     Variator  908  comprise a mechanical variator operably coupled between engine  26  and traction members  24  as part of the transmission of snow thrower  20 . Variator  908  is configured to vary or split power being delivered to traction members  24  as compared to the power being delivered to auger system  36  and impeller  42  such that traction members  24  may be driven at a speed different than the speed at which impeller  42  is driven or the speed at which auger system  36  is driven. In one implementation, variator  906  comprises a frictional mechanical variator. In other implementations, other forms of a variator may be employed. In other implementations, one or both of variator  906 ,  908  may be omitted. 
     Manual controls  804  comprise inputs by which a person control snow thrower  20 . Manual controls  804 , provided on dashboard  802 , comprise controls  616  and  652 , starter control  920 , traction drive control  922 , auger control  924  impeller or throw control  926 . Controls  616  and  652  control the positioning of main chute  600  and deflector  604 , respectively, and are described above. 
     Starter control  920  comprises a turnkey, the position of which is sensed, such as with a potentiometer, to generate electrical signals which are transmitted to controller  820  to initiate starting of engine  26  and the continued operation of engine  26 . Traction drive control  922  comprises a pivotable lever, the position of which is sensed, such as with a potentiometer, to generate electrical signals which are transmitted to controller  820  to control an on-off state and the speed at which traction members  24  are driven to move snow thrower  20 . Auger control  924  comprises a slide bar or pivotable lever, the positioning of which is sensed, such as with a potentiometer, to generate electrical signals which are transmitted to controller  820  to control a speed of auger system  36 . Throw control  926  comprises a pivotable lever, the position of which is sensed, such as with a potentiometer, to generate electrical signals which are transmitted to controller  822  control a speed of impeller  42 . Each of such controls are merely exemplary in nature. In other implementations, each manual control  804  may have a different configuration. 
     Speed display  912  comprises a visible display indicating on dashboard  802  the speed at which traction members  24  are being driven. Throw display  916  comprises a visible display indicating on dashboard  802  the speed at which impeller  42  is being driven. In the example illustrated, speed display  912  and throw display  916  comprises triangular displays wherein a region is filled in or underline is presented to indicate the present state with respect to the minimum and maximum velocities. In one implementation, the line or region may comprise a dial or member which moves in response to control signals provided by controller normally  20 . In another implementation, line or region may be provided by light emitting diodes and the like. In other implementations, displays  912  and  916  may have other configurations. For example, displays  912  and  916  may alternatively comprise dials, alphanumeric displays and the like. Displays  912  and  916  provide a person with a visual indication of the speed at which the snow thrower&#39;s being driven as well the speed at which impeller  42  is being driven (corresponding to the distance at which snow may be being thrown). In other implementations, one or both of displays  912 ,  916  may be omitted or additional displays may be provided. 
     Controller  820  comprises one or more processing units configured to generate control signals directing operation of engine  26 , variator  906 ,  908  and displays  912 ,  916 . Controller  820  generates such control signals in response to electrical signals received from manual controls  804  as well from one or more sensors associated with snow thrower  20 . As noted above, in some implementations, controller  820  may additionally generate control signals controlling the operation of cutting system  40 . 
     In operation, battery  900  is charged through port  902  or plug  904 . Power from battery  900  may be utilized to power lighting system  46 , cutting system  40  as well as control system  50 . In some implementations, power from battery  900  may be utilized in place of engine  26  for powering one or more of auger system  36 , sweeper system  38 , impeller  42  or traction members  24 . In one implementation, snow thrower  20  may include an onboard generator for charging battery  900  or for powering some of the aforementioned components. 
     In response to input received by manual controller relying  20 , electrical signals are transmitted to controller  820 . In response to such signals, controller  820  generates control signals to one or more actuators  930  which set a choke associated with engine  26 , prime engine  26  and turnover engine  26  to start engine  26 . Such actuators  930  may comprise electric solenoids, like the switches and the like. As a result, start up of snow thrower  20  is accomplished in a single step, actuation of controller  920 . In other implementations, such startup steps may be individually carried out in response to actuation of multiple separate manual controls. 
     During operation of the snow thrower  20 , controller  820  generate control signals based upon input via manual control  804  to adjust the speed are operation of traction members  24 , auger system  36  and impeller  42 . In one implementation, controller  820  transmits signals to display  912  and display  916  causing such displays to visibly present information regarding the current speed of traction members  24  and the current velocity of impeller  42 , respectively. In one implementation, controller  828  generates such control signals based upon the actual control signals transmitted by controller  820  to engine  26 , or variators  906 ,  908  which correspond to such speed. In another implementation, controller  820  may generate such signals for displays  912  and  916  based upon one or more sensors sensing the actual speed of traction members  24  and impeller  42 . 
       FIGS. 29-31  illustrate an example of the hybrid snow thrower or snow blower  920 . Snow thrower  920  comprises a hybrid between a single stage snow thrower and a two stage snow thrower. Snow thrower  920  comprises torque source  926 , transmission  928 , auger housing  930 , chute  944 , snow impelling blades  950 , snow channeling or moving blades  952 A,  952 B (collectively referred to as blades  952 ) and speed changing devices  960 A,  960 B (collectively referred to as speed changing devices  960 ). Torque source  926  comprises a source of torque for rotationally driving blades  950  and  952 . In one implementation, torque source  926  comprises an internal combustion engine. Another implementation, torque source  926  comprises a battery or electrically powered motor. Although torque source  926  has a single output which is used to drive both blades  950 ,  952 , in other implementations, torque source  926  may include two separate outputs with one output for blades  950  and another output for blades  952 . In yet other implementations, snow thrower  920  may include separate torque sources for blades  950  and blades  952 . 
     Transmission  928  transmits torque from torque source  926  to blades  950 ,  952  to rotationally drive blades  950 ,  952  within auger housing  930 . In one implementation, transmission  928  may comprise a series of gears. In another implementation, transmission  928  may comprise a chain and sprocket arrangement or a belt and pulley arrangement. In some implementations, transmission  928  may comprise a combination of such torque transmitting mechanisms. In the example illustrated, transmission  928  extends along a side or exterior of auger housing  930 , wherein transmission  928  is connected to one drive shaft of one of blades  952  such that torque is transmitted first to one of blades  952  prior to being transmitted to plate  950 . In other implementations, transmission  928  may centrally extend in a forward direction from torque source  926  to blades  950  so as to first transmit torque to blades  950  prior to transmitting torque to blades  952 . 
     Auger housing  930  houses snow engaging blades  950 ,  952 . Auger housing  130  directs snow to blades  950 ,  952 . In one implementation, auger housing  930  comprises a single integral structure integrally formed as a single unitary body of a single sheet or layer of material that is deformed or deep drawn. In other implementations, auger housing  930  may be formed from multiple structures which are welded, fastened or otherwise joined to one another. In other implementations, auger housing  930  may include other features described above such as extensions  132 . 
     Chute  944  comprises a tubular or semi-tubular structure extending from an opening  964  within auger housing  930 . Chute  944  extends upward and outward to direct impel snow forwarder to a side of snow thrower  920 . In one implementation, chute  944  may be similar to chute  44  described above. 
     Snow impelling blades  950  comprise blades, paddles or other structures configured to be rotationally driven about a rotational axis  966  (shown in  FIG. 31 ) to drive snow upward through opening  964  and through chute  944  for discharge. In the example illustrated, snow impelling blades  950  comprise panels or paddles  968  radially extending outward from axis  966  and radially outward from drive shaft  970  with each panel  968  extending in a plane intersecting and parallel to axis  966 . As a result, snow engaged by blade  968  is impelled upward and outward. In the example illustrated, blade  968  further includes outer portions configured to engage or come to close proximity with a ground so as to pick up snow. In one implementation, blades  968  include an outer elastomeric or flexible rubber-like outer extremity portion for engaging the ground. In other implementations, blades  968  may have other configurations. 
     Snow moving or snow engaging blades  952  (schematically shown) comprise blades rotatably supported within auger housing  930  and configured to engage the ground, to mulch snow and drive snow towards snow engaging blades  950 . In the example illustrated, blades  952  comprise helical blades or helical augers for being rotatably driven about axis  966 . In the example illustrated, blades  952 A drive snow in a direction indicated by arrow  974  parallel to and along axis  966  towards blades  950 . Blades  952 B drive snow in a direction indicated by arrow  976  parallel to and along axis  968  towards blades  950 . In the example illustrated, blades  952  are driven at a speed slower than a speed at which plates  950  are rotationally driven. Although blades  950 ,  952  are illustrated as being rotatable about a single axis  966 , in other implementations, blades  950 ,  952  may be driven about distinct or different axes with respect to one another. 
     Speed changing devices  960  comprise devices configured to change or adjust a speed between an input torque and an output torque. Speech any device  960  are sometimes also referred to as speed adjusters, speed reducers and the like. Speed changing device  960  facilitates rotation of blades  952  at a lower speed as compared to the rotation of blades  950 . As a result, snow thrower  920  utilizes less power, allowing a smaller torque source  926  utilized. Said another way, speed changing device  960  facilitate rotation of those blades utilized to throw snow at a greater speed than the rotation of those blades which merely move snow in a substantially horizontal direction. Speed is provided where it is utilized most effectively, while low speed higher torque provided where it is utilized most effectively. 
     In one implementation, each of speed changing devices  960  comprises a planetary gear arrangement. In other implementations, each of speed changing devices  960  may have other configurations. In implementations where separate transmissions independently drive blades  950  with respect to blades  952 , speed changes  960  may be omitted. 
     In operation, snow engaging blades  950  are rotationally driven within auger housing  930  opposite to chute  944  at a first be while snow engaging blades  952  are rotationally driven within auger housing  930  at a second speed less than the first beat. In the example illustrated, blades  952  are driven about a single rotational axis. Blades  952  move snow towards blades  950 . Blades  950  extend parallel to rotational axis  966  while blades  952  helically extend at least partially about their rotational axis (and about axis  966  in the example illustrated). 
     Although the claims of the present disclosure are generally directed to a three stage snow thrower, the present disclosure is additionally directed to the features set forth in the following definitions.