BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160115933 | STARTING BATTERY FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A starting battery for use with an electric starting system includes a starter motor and a battery receiver. The starting battery includes a lithium-ion battery cell, two voltage output terminals, and an enable terminal. The voltage output terminals of the starting battery are configured to connect to two voltage output terminals of the battery receiver to complete a circuit between the lithium-ion battery cell and the starter motor when the starting battery is attached to the battery receiver. The enable terminal of the starting battery is configured to connect to an enable terminal of the battery receiver to receive an enable signal to the starting battery to allow the starting battery to provide power to the starter motor to start an internal combustion engine. | 04-28-2016 |
20160108881 | LAWN MOWER STARTER SYSTEM - A lawn mower includes an internal combustion engine, a rotary tool driven by the internal combustion engine, an electric motor coupled to the internal combustion engine and configured to start the internal combustion engine, a receiving port mounted to the internal combustion engine, an energy storage device configured to be selectively inserted into and removed from the receiving port without tools, a first user interface, and a second user interface, wherein the electric motor starts the internal combustion engine upon actuation of the first user interface and the second user interface. | 04-21-2016 |
20160067726 | PRESSURE WASHER SPRAY GUN WITH GRIP SENSOR - A pressure washer includes a prime mover, a pump, and a spray gun. The spray gun including a handle with a first grip portion, a barrel including a second grip portion, a flow-control valve movable between an open position and a closed position, and a user interface to control the flow-control valve. A presence sensor is coupled to the second grip portion to detect the presence of the user's second hand. A first wireless system is electrically coupled to the presence sensor. A second wireless system is electrically coupled to the prime mover. The first wireless system transmits a start signal to the second wireless system when the presence sensor detects the presence of the second hand of the user. The second wireless system, upon receiving the start signal causes the prime mover to start operation. | 03-10-2016 |
20150345459 | INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE INCLUDING STARTING SYSTEM POWERED BY LITHIUM-ION BATTERY - An internal combustion engine includes an engine block including a cylinder, a piston positioned within the cylinder, a crankshaft configured to be driven by the piston, a fuel system for supplying an air-fuel mixture to the cylinder, a starter motor, and a lithium-ion battery mounted on the engine, the lithium-ion battery configured to power the starter motor to start the engine, wherein the piston is configured to reciprocate in the cylinder along a cylinder axis, wherein the lithium-ion battery includes at least one lithium-ion cell having a longitudinal cell axis, and wherein the cylinder axis and the longitudinal cell axis are not parallel to one another. | 12-03-2015 |
20150337779 | AIR FILTER ASSEMBLY FOR AN ENGINE - A filter element for an internal combustion engine includes a first wall including a first groove, a second wall including a first aperture configured to receive air from the breather conduit, a second aperture configured to deliver air to the intake conduit, and a second groove surrounding the first and second apertures, wherein the first and second apertures are equally sized, are the same shape, and are equally spaced apart from a center of the filter element, and filter media extending between the walls, wherein the filter media comprises pleated paper, wherein the filter media and the walls define an interior chamber, and wherein the first and second apertures connect to the interior chamber such that filtered air mixes with unfiltered gases provided through the first aperture prior to exiting the interior chamber through the second aperture. | 11-26-2015 |
20150318521 | RECHARGEABLE BATTERY SYSTEM FOR REPLACEMENT OF LEAD-ACID BATTERY - A battery system for use with outdoor power equipment includes a base including a positive terminal, a negative terminal, and a battery receptacle electrically coupled to the positive terminal and the negative terminal, wherein the positive terminal and the negative terminal are spaced apart by a distance substantially the same as a standard distance between terminals of a standard lead-acid battery, and a lithium-ion battery removably attached to the battery receptacle, wherein when attached, the lithium-ion battery is electrically coupled to the positive terminal and the negative terminal via the battery receptacle. | 11-05-2015 |
20150315982 | ELECTRONIC GOVERNOR SYSTEM AND LOAD SENSING SYSTEM - An electronic governor system includes a motor, a transmission coupled to the motor, a throttle plate coupled to the transmission, the throttle plate movable to multiple positions between closed and wide-open, wherein power is supplied to the motor to move the throttle pate to a desired position and wherein power is not supplied to the motor to maintain the throttle plate in the desired position. | 11-05-2015 |
20150240774 | SNOWTHROWER WITH REMOVABLE SELF-HEATING STARTER BATTERY PACK - A snowthrower includes an internal combustion engine and a starter battery pack that provides electrical power to operate an electric starter motor. The starter battery pack is received within a receptacle of the snowthrower and is selectively coupled to the starter motor to initiate operation of the internal combustion engine. The starter battery pack can further include a battery heating circuit that is operable to heat the starter battery pack above ambient temperatures to increase the current output of the starter battery pack. The battery heating circuit includes a controller that utilizes electrical power from the starter battery pack to heat the starter battery pack. | 08-27-2015 |
20150240773 | OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT INCORPORATING STARTER BATTERY WITH INTEGRATED PUSH BUTTON - A starter battery pack with a start button included as part of the starter battery pack is shown and described. The starter battery pack includes a start button that, when the starter battery pack is received within a receptacle of outdoor power equipment, such as a lawn tractor, allows the starter battery pack to provide power to a starting circuit of the power equipment. The battery pack is selectively rechargeable and preferably is a type of battery, such as lithium ion, that can be repeatedly discharged and recharged without affecting battery life. When the starter battery pack is received within the receptacle, activation of the start button provides current and voltage front the starter battery pack to an electric starter motor, which initiates operation of the internal combustion engine. | 08-27-2015 |
20150128459 | AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTABLE SNOWTHROWER CHUTE - A snowthrower includes a body, a chute rotatable relative to the body among a plurality of chute positions, wherein the chute is configured to discharge snow from the snowthrower, a motor for rotating the chute, a user input device configured to set a preferred chute bearing, and an electronic control unit configured to control the motor to automatically rotate the chute to an appropriate chute position to maintain the chute at the preferred chute bearing without additional input from the user input device. | 05-14-2015 |
20150108253 | PRESSURE WASHER GUN WITH CHEMICAL INJECTION AND FOAMING CAPABILITIES - A pressure washer spray gun includes a spray gun body configured to be fluidly coupled to a source of pressurized water, a chemical container coupled to the spray gun body, wherein the chemical container is configured to contain liquid chemical, a venturi including a converging section, a throat, and a diverging section, wherein the venturi is coupled to the body, and wherein the chemical container is fluidly coupled to the throat, an air inlet port formed in the diverging section and configured to fluidly couple the diverging section to a source of air, and multiple nozzles, wherein each nozzle has a different orifice diameter, and wherein only one nozzle at a time can be selected to provide a fluid output from the spray gun. | 04-23-2015 |
20150096523 | WELDED ENGINE BLOCK FOR SMALL INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES - A small air-cooled internal combustion engine includes an aluminum cylinder block, an aluminum cylinder head welded to the aluminum cylinder block, and a weld securing the aluminum cylinder block to the aluminum cylinder head, wherein a joint having a first length is formed between the aluminum cylinder block and the aluminum cylinder head and wherein the weld extends for a second length that is at least 25% of the first length. | 04-09-2015 |
20150096206 | SNOWTHROWER INCLUDING POWER BOOST SYSTEM - A carburetor includes a passageway having a constricted section, a nozzle directed into the passageway proximate the constricted section, and a shaft having a surface that at least partially defines the constricted section. The nozzle is configured to deliver fuel to air passing through the passageway, and the surface includes a contour that is configured to be moved relative to the passageway to change the area of the passageway through the constricted section. | 04-09-2015 |
20150053164 | STARTER SYSTEM FOR AN ENGINE - An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder, an exhaust, a fuel tank, an engine cover, a power take off configured to drive an implement, an electric starting system including a starter motor, a battery receiving port, and a rechargeable battery removably attached to the battery receiving port, and an electric start control module including a switch configured to be actuated by a release mechanism configured to put the implement in the ready-to-run condition and a controller coupled to the switch, wherein the switch is configured to provide a signal when the release mechanism is in the engaged position, wherein the controller is configured to receive the signal, wherein the controller it configured to turn on the starter motor to start the internal combustion engine upon receipt of the signal from the switch and an input from a run sensor confirming that the implement is in the ready-to-run condition, and wherein the rechargeable battery is configured to power the starter motor to start the engine. | 02-26-2015 |
20150036267 | METER SOCKET ADAPTER WITH INTEGRATED AUTOMATIC TRANSER SWITCH - A transfer switch and load controller that can be plugged into an existing utility meter socket and electrically positioned between the meter socket and a distribution panel to allow switching between utility power and standby power. The plug-in transfer switch functions to transfer the power supplied to a home between the utility power source and the generator power source upon loss of power from the utility power source. The transfer switch components are contained in an enclosed housing of a meter socket adapter that is mounted directly to the meter socket of a meter housing. The meter socket adapter is prewired to a standby generator such that the standby generator can be connected to a home power system by plugging the meter socket adapter into the meter socket | 02-05-2015 |
20150021412 | CHEMICAL INJECTOR FOR SPRAY DEVICE - A spray device, such as one used with a pressure washer, includes a housing, a chemical container coupled to the housing, and a chemical conduit coupled to the container. The chemical conduit has an inlet and an outlet forming a chemical flow path therebetween. The spray device further includes a chemical flow controller allowing a user to adjust a chemical flow rate through the chemical conduit. Further, the spray device includes a water conduit forming a water flow path through the housing, the water conduit terminating at a spray orifice. The chemical flow path and the water flow path merge at a point proximate the orifice. | 01-22-2015 |
20150008679 | STANDBY GENERATOR - A standby generator includes a base and a number of walls extending from the base including a wall having a removable panel. A cover is coupled to the wall having the removable panel and is moveable between a closed position and an open position. When the cover in the open position, the removable panel may be removed from the standby generator. | 01-08-2015 |
20140345555 | PUSH BUTTON STARTING SYSTEM MODULE FOR OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT - A self-contained starting module for outdoor power equipment that has control circuit and a start button. The starting module includes internal control circuit that can be either microprocessor based or analog. The control circuit receives a start signal from a start button of the starting module. The control circuit monitors for the presence of an enable device and, upon activation of the start button and the presence of the enable device, provides electric power to the electric load of the power equipment. When the start button is depressed for longer than a minimum engagement period, the control circuit initiates operation of the engine. If the start button is pressed for less than the minimum engagement period, the control circuit activates the electric load for an auxiliary period without starting the engine. During engine operation, if the start button is depressed, the operation of the engine is terminated. | 11-27-2014 |
20140334910 | ROLLER LIFT HANDLE SYSTEM - A roller lift handle system moves a roller between a raised roller position in which the roller elevates a support post above the underlying terrain and a lowered roller position in which the support post contacts the underlying terrain. | 11-13-2014 |
20140299088 | PUSH BUTTON STARTING SYSTEM FOR OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT - A starting system for outdoor power equipment that has a controller and a start button to control the activation of an internal combustion engine. The starting system includes a controller that receives a start signal from a start button. The controller monitors for the presence of an enable device in an enable device receptacle and, upon activation of the start button and the presence of the enable device in the enable device receptacle, the controller provides electric power to the electric load of the power equipment. When the start button is depressed for longer than a minimum engagement period, the controller initiates operation of the engine. If the start button is pressed for less than the minimum engagement period, the controller activates the electric load for an auxiliary period without starting the engine. During engine operation, if the start button is depressed, the controller terminates operation of the engine. | 10-09-2014 |
20140261331 | REFUELING SYSTEM FOR OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT - A refueling system includes a filling station configured to store a first volume of liquid fuel, the filling station including a station receptacle, a removable fuel cartridge configured to store a second volume of liquid fuel less than the first volume of liquid fuel, and outdoor power equipment including an engine having an engine receptacle, wherein inserting the removable fuel cartridge into the station receptacle fluidly couples the filling station and the removable fuel cartridge to automatically fill the removable fuel cartridge with liquid fuel, and wherein inserting the removable fuel cartridge into the engine receptacle fluidly couples the removable fuel cartridge and the engine to provide liquid fuel to the engine. | 09-18-2014 |
20140246517 | PRESSURE WASHERS INCLUDING JET PUMPS - A pressure washer includes a prime mover, a water pump, the water pump including a pump inlet for receiving fluid from a fluid source and a pump outlet for supplying a pressurized primary fluid, a jet pump including a primary fluid inlet fluidly coupled to the pump outlet, a secondary fluid inlet, and a fluid outlet, and a spray gun configured to be fluidly coupled to the fluid outlet of the jet pump, the spray gun including a spray gun outlet having a variable effective flow area. Wherein, in operation, in a high pressure operating mode, the pressurized primary fluid flows through the jet pump and exits through the fluid outlet of the jet pump, and in a high flow operating mode, the pressurized primary fluid flows through the jet pump and entrains a secondary fluid supplied through the secondary fluid inlet, resulting in a combined fluid flow. | 09-04-2014 |
20140239645 | GENERATOR INCLUDING A FUEL SHUTOFF VALVE - A generator including an enclosure, an internal combustion engine provided within the enclosure, an alternator provided within the enclosure and driven by the internal combustion engine, a fuel supply line for providing fuel to the internal combustion engine, a valve for selectively closing the fuel supply line, the valve biased to a normally closed position, a controller configured to provide a signal to maintain the valve in an open position, and a temperature responsive device configured to interrupt the signal from the controller to the valve upon exposure to a threshold temperature, thereby resulting in the closing of the valve. | 08-28-2014 |
20140238343 | SOLENOID AUTOCHOKE FOR AN ENGINE - A choke system for an internal combustion engine includes a carburetor having an air intake, a choke valve disposed in the air intake, and a choke lever coupled to the choke valve, wherein the choke valve is movable between a closed position and an open position, a mechanical linkage coupled to the choke lever, and a solenoid attached to the carburetor and coupled to the mechanical linkage so activation of the solenoid moves the choke valve, wherein the solenoid is activated in response to activation of a starter system of an internal combustion engine, thereby moving the choke valve via the mechanical linkage to the closed position. | 08-28-2014 |
20140237960 | AIR FILTER ASSEMBLY FOR AN ENGINE - A filter element is provided for an air filter assembly of an internal combustion engine including a breather conduit and an intake conduit. The filter element includes a first wall, a second wall, filter media extending between the first and second walls, a first aperture in one of the first and second walls configured to receive air from the breather conduit, and a second aperture in one of the first and second walls configured to deliver air to the intake conduit. The filter media, the first wall, and the second wall define an interior chamber of the filter element. The first and second apertures connect to the interior chamber such that air filtered by the filter media mixes with unfiltered gases provided through the first aperture by the breather conduit prior to exiting the interior chamber through the second aperture into the intake conduit. | 08-28-2014 |
20140237864 | SNOWTHROWER IMPELLER ASSEMBLY WITH RIGID CUTTING IMPLEMENT - An impeller assembly for a snowthrower includes a driven shaft configured to rotate about an axis, a flexible impeller paddle coupled to the driven shaft for rotation about the axis, and a rigid cutting implement coupled to the driven shaft for rotation about the axis. The flexible impeller paddle is configured to clear snow from a surface to be cleared. The flexible impeller paddle extends radially from the axis to a paddle radial distance. The rigid cutting implement is configured to break up snow or ice on the surface to be cleared. The rigid cutting implement extends radially from the axis to a cutting implement radial distance less than the paddle radial distance. | 08-28-2014 |
20140235404 | TRANSMISSION FOR OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT - An engine includes a throttle, a drive shaft, a driven shaft, a continuously variable transmission coupling the drive and driven shafts and providing a mechanical advantage therebetween, and a governor that operates the throttle as a function of rotational speed of the driven shaft. The transmission includes a first wheel coupled to the drive shaft, a second wheel coupled to the driven shaft, and a belt coupling the first and second wheels, wherein a working diameter of the second wheel changes as a function of torque acting on the driven shaft, thereby automatically changing the mechanical advantage in response to torque experienced by the driven shaft, and wherein a working diameter of the first wheel changes a function of tension in the belt. | 08-21-2014 |
20140230393 | LAWN MOWER STARTER SYSTEM - A lawn mower includes an internal combustion engine, a rotary tool driven by the internal combustion engine, an electric motor coupled to the internal combustion engine and configured to start the internal combustion engine, a receiving port mounted to the internal combustion engine, an energy storage device configured to be selectively inserted into and removed from the receiving port without tools, a first user interface, and a second user interface, wherein the electric motor starts the internal combustion engine upon actuation of the first user interface and the second user interface. | 08-21-2014 |
20140216371 | SPRAY COOLED OIL SYSTEM FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - An engine includes a crankcase defining a crankcase space, a first shaft disposed at least partially within the crankcase and supported for rotation by the crankcase, and an oil pump coupled to the first shaft and operable to draw low pressure oil from the crankcase and discharge a flow of high pressure oil. A pressure relief path is positioned to selectively receive a portion of the flow of high pressure oil and a pressure relief assembly is coupled to the pressure relief path and is arranged to spray the portion of the high pressure flow that passes through the pressure relief passage against an interior surface of the crankcase. | 08-07-2014 |
20140203102 | WATER SPRAYING SYSTEM - A water spraying system includes an engine, a pump driven by the engine, the pump including a pump inlet configured to be fluidly coupled to a water source and a pump outlet providing water at an increased water pressure, a sprayer fluidly coupled to the pump outlet, the sprayer including a flow restriction valve, a trigger for operating the flow restriction valve, and a wireless transmitter configured to transmit a wireless start signal indicating release of the flow restriction valve, a wireless receiver, and a controller coupled to the wireless receiver, wherein the wireless receiver receives the wireless start signal from the wireless transmitter and in response the controller activates the pump by starting the engine. | 07-24-2014 |
20140173946 | ZERO-TURN UTILITY VEHICLE - A zero-turn utility vehicle includes a frame, a pair of drive wheels disposed proximate to the front end of the frame, a rear wheel disposed proximate to the rear end of the frame, a prime mover supported by the frame above the drive wheels, the prime mover configured to power the drive wheels, a seat supported by the central structure, the seat disposed between the prime mover and the rear end, the seat configured to support a user facing towards the front end in a normal operating position, a pair of footrests located on opposite sides of the seat, a tool attachment coupled to the frame and powered by the prime mover, and user controls configured to operate the drive wheels, wherein each of the drive wheels may be operated independently with the user controls. | 06-26-2014 |
20140144913 | SNAP-ON FUEL CAP COVER - A fuel tank closure assembly includes an inner cap and an outer cover. The inner cap has a cylindrical side wall and multiple protrusions extending outward from the cylindrical side wall. The protrusions have a height less than a height of the cylindrical side wall. The outer cover has a cylindrical side wall with an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of the inner cap. The cylindrical side wall has multiple openings and multiple hollows. The openings and the hollows in the outer cover each receive one of the protrusions to secure the cover to the cap and rotatably lock the cover and the cap together. | 05-29-2014 |
20140131474 | PRESSURE WASHER WAND HAVING A NOZZLE SELECTOR - A pressure washer wand assembly includes a rigid tube portion defining a first flow path having an input end and an output end, the first flow path extending along and defining a longitudinal axis. A nozzle coupler is coupled to the rigid tube portion to inhibit relative rotation therebetween. The nozzle coupler defines a single passageway that includes an outlet offset from the longitudinal axis. A nozzle assembly index includes a plurality of selectable nozzles, the nozzle assembly index disposed downstream of the passageway and rotatable about the longitudinal axis to selectively align one of the plurality of selectable nozzles with the outlet along an alignment axis that is parallel to and offset from the longitudinal axis to discharge the pressurized fluid in a desired spray pattern. An O-ring is positioned concentrically with the alignment axis between the nozzle coupler and the nozzle assembly index to form a seal therebetween. | 05-15-2014 |
20140084594 | STANDBY GENERATOR INCLUDING TWO AIR-COOLED ENGINES - A standby generator includes an alternator, a first air-cooled engine, a second air-cooled engine, and a housing. The alternator includes a stator, a rotor, and an input shaft coupled to the rotor for rotating the rotor. The first air-cooled engine is coupled to the input shaft. The second air-cooled engine is coupled to the input shaft. The housing encloses the alternator, the first air-cooled engine, and the second air-cooled engine. | 03-27-2014 |
20140068976 | SNOW DIRECTING AND DISCHARGING ASSEMBLY - A snow thrower comprises an auger housing and an auger flight assembly. The auger flight assembly comprises a helical auger flight blade and a helical pliable flight extending radially beyond the helical auger flight blade. | 03-13-2014 |
20140053794 | CENTRIFUGAL FAN - A centrifugal fan for use with an engine includes a hub defining a rotational axis, a plurality of blades arranged about the rotational axis, and a screen coupled to the hub and blades for co-rotation therewith. The hub, the blades, and the screen are integrally formed as a single piece. | 02-27-2014 |
20140053793 | ROTATING SCREEN FOR CENTRIFUGAL FAN - A rotating screen, for use with a centrifugal fan of an engine, includes a hub having a rotational axis and a plurality of blades extending radially outwardly from the hub. Each of the blades includes a root adjacent the hub, a tip, a leading edge extending between the root and the tip, and a trailing edge extending between the root and the tip. The blades also include an airfoil shape. The rotating screen also includes a band concentric with the hub and interconnecting the tips of the respective blades. | 02-27-2014 |
20140042809 | PARALELLING OF TWO TRANSFER SWITCHES - A backup power management system connectable to a primary power source and a secondary power source, and a method of operating the same. The system includes an enclosed housing that receives a control system including first and second controllers that are connected to a first transfer switch contactor and a second transfer switch contactor within the housing. Both the primary power source and a secondary power source are broken into two separate output supplies. The two separate output supplies from the primary power source and the secondary power source are each provided to one of the first and second transfer switch contactors. The control system sends signals to the first and second transfer switch contactors to control the movement of the contactors between first and second positions. The power management system can also include a load management controller to control the load on the secondary power source. | 02-13-2014 |
20140013722 | HYBRID LAWN MOWER DRIVE SYSTEM - A lawn mower includes an engine, an energy storage device, a motor/generator including an output shaft, an engine coupling, wherein, with the engine coupling disengaged, the motor/generator drives the output shaft, and with the engine coupling engaged, the engine or both the motor/generator and the engine drive the output shaft, a mower blade, a power take-off clutch, and a control unit configured to implement a first operating condition in which the engine coupling is disengaged, the engine is off, and the output shaft is driven by the motor/generator, and configured to implement a second operating condition in which the engine coupling is engaged, the engine is on, the output shaft is driven by the engine or both the motor/generator and the engine. | 01-16-2014 |
20130312693 | PUSH BUTTON STARTING SYSTEM FOR OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT - A starting system for outdoor power equipment that has a controller and a start button to control the activation of an internal combustion engine. The starting system includes a controller that receives a start signal from a start button. The controller monitors for the presence of an enable device in an enable device receptacle and, upon activation of the start button and the presence of the enable device in the enable device receptacle, the controller provides electric power to the electric load of the power equipment. When the start button is depressed for longer than a minimum engagement period, the controller initiates operation of the engine. If the start button is pressed for less than the minimum engagement period, the controller activates the electric load for an auxiliary period without starting the engine. During engine operation, if the start button is depressed, the controller terminates operation of the engine. | 11-28-2013 |
20130269306 | NOISE-REDUCING MOWER BLADE - A mower blade includes a body including an axis of rotation about which the blade is configured to rotate, a first body portion extending in a first direction from the axis of rotation, and a second body portion extending in a second opposite direction from the axis of rotation, wherein the second body portion is asymmetrically shaped with respect to the first body portion such that the center of mass of the blade lies on the axis of rotation. | 10-17-2013 |
20130233943 | BOTTLE FOR USE WITH A SPRAY GUN - A bottle for use with a spray gun includes a bottle body defining a storage volume; a throat extending away from the bottle body, a first attachment portion, and a second attachment portion. The throat defines an opening to the storage volume, and includes a narrow portion and a wide portion located between the narrow portion and the bottle body. The first attachment portion is formed at the narrow portion and is configured to be attached to a spray gun. The second attachment portion is formed at the wide portion and is configured to be attached to a cap to close the bottle body. | 09-12-2013 |
20130229102 | SPARK PLUG - A spark plug includes a terminal for receiving an electrical charge, a firing electrode on a firing end of the spark plug, and a conductor electrically coupling the terminal and firing electrode. The spark plug further includes a casing, an electrical insulator, and a ground electrode. The casing is at least partially formed from an electrically conductive material and is configured to be electrically coupled to a ground. The electrical insulator separates the conductor from the casing. The ground electrode is positioned proximate to the firing electrode, but separated from the firing electrode by a spark gap. The ground electrode includes an extension projecting from the casing such that the firing electrode is closer to the ground electrode than the firing electrode is to the casing. There is substantially no air gap between the interior of the casing and the electrical insulator from the firing end of the spark plug. | 09-05-2013 |
20130220067 | HANDLEBAR COUPLING AND ADJUSTMENT UNIT - A handlebar coupling and adjustment unit comprises a housing, a pivot pin, a manual grip and a retaining pin. The housing receives an end portion of a handlebar. The pivot pin joins the housing to the handlebar and pivotally supports the handle relative to the handle bracket. The retaining pin is connected to the manual grip and is linearly translatable in a first direction from an extended positioned projecting beyond the housing to a withdrawn position within the housing. The manual grip is rotatable while the retaining pin is in the withdrawn position between a locked position in which the housing holds the manual grip with the retaining pin in the withdrawn position and an unlocked positioned in which the manual grip is linearly translatable in a second direction to return the retaining pin to the extended position. | 08-29-2013 |
20130216402 | WATER PUMP - A water pump includes a base, a cam, a joint, and a piston. The base includes a PTO-attachment portion, a cam-attachment portion, a first contact surface, and a second contact surface. The cam includes a central opening, a first cam contact surface, and a second cam contact surface, wherein the cam-attachment portion of the base extends into the central opening. The joint pivotally couples the cam to the cam-attachment portion of the base. In a first operating position of the cam, the first contact surface engages the first cam contact surface so that the cam is positioned at a first angle relative to the axis of PTO rotation. In a second operating position of the cam, the second contact surface engages the second cam contact surface so that the cam is positioned at a second angle, greater than the first angle, relative to the axis of PTO rotation. | 08-22-2013 |
20130214059 | WATER SPRAYING SYSTEM - A water spraying system is configured for a variety of outdoor cleaning applications. In one embodiment, the water spraying system includes a water pump assembly having a water pump, a receiver configured to receive wireless communications, and an actuator coupled to the receiver and configured to change at least one of water pressure and flow rate provided by the water pump. A spray gun is configured to spray water provided by the water pump and includes an electronic display, circuitry configured to provide a graphical user interface via the electronic display, and a transmitter configured to wirelessly provide instructions to the actuator by way of the receiver based on input provided by the operator such that the operator may change at least one of the water pressure and the flow rate provided by the water pump via the graphical user interface of the spray gun. | 08-22-2013 |
20130206093 | CHOKE OVERRIDE FOR AN ENGINE - A choke system for an internal combustion engine includes a carburetor having a choke valve disposed in a passage; a cooling fan providing a variable air flow; an air vane moveable in response to the variable air flow; an air vane linkage coupling the air vane to the choke valve, the air vane linkage operating the choke valve by the movement of the air vane; a manually operated choke control; an override linkage coupling the choke control to the choke valve; and a thermally responsive member configured to engage the override linkage to retain the choke in a partially open position above a threshold temperature. The choke control may be moved to a first position in which the choke control overrides the thermally responsive member and the air vane linkage to maintain the choke valve in a closed position. | 08-15-2013 |
20130200173 | FLUID SPRAYER ATTACHMENT - An attachment for a fluid sprayer comprises a main flow passage, a quick disconnect portion that facilitates connection of the attachment to a first flow constrictor providing flow at a first pressure and a second flow constrictor between the main flow passage and the quick disconnect portion. The second flow constrictor provides flow at a second pressure less than the first pressure. | 08-08-2013 |
20130193757 | DYNAMIC LOAD SHEDDING SYSTEM FOR A STANDBY GENERATOR - A method and system for managing electrical loads on a standby generator. The method includes utilizing a transfer switch control to selectively shed loads each associated with one of a series of priority circuits. Priority values are initially assigned to each of the electric loads based upon the initial hard-wired connection of the electric loads to a main breaker panel during set up. The control unit of a transfer switch allows the user to reassign priority values to each of the electric loads based upon a user preference. The control unit includes one or more predefined priority assignment programs that can be selected to modify the priority values assigned to the electric loads. | 08-01-2013 |
20130187462 | ACTIVE LOAD MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A method and system for managing loads powered by a standby generator. The method includes utilizing a transfer switch control unit to selectively shed loads each associated with one of a series of priority circuits. The control unit selects the loads to shed from the generator based upon various different calculations such that the loads are shed in the least objectionable manner to the home owner. Once loads have been shed, the control unit determines whether any of the shed loads can be reconnected to the generator without exceeding the rating of the generator. The system and method allows the control units to selectively connect and disconnect priority loads to optimize the operation of the control unit to selectively shed and connect priority loads. | 07-25-2013 |
20130187392 | STANDBY GENERATOR - A standby generator includes a base and a number of walls extending from the base including a wall having a removable panel. A cover is coupled to the wall having the removable panel and is moveable between a closed position and an open position. When the cover in the open position, the removable panel may be removed from the standby generator. | 07-25-2013 |
20130160748 | ENGINE BLOWER SCROLL - A blower system for an engine includes a base of a blower scroll coupled to an engine crankcase. The base has a bottom wall with an opening sized to accommodate an end of a crankshaft. The base also has a sidewall extending away from the crankcase. The blower system further includes a blower housing fastened to the base, without the use of threaded fasteners. Together the blower housing and the base form a chamber having an inlet and an outlet. Also, the blower system includes a fan within the chamber. The fan is driven by the crankshaft and is designed to direct a flow of air through the outlet of the chamber. | 06-27-2013 |
20130146494 | FUEL FILLING SYSTEM - An apparatus and method sense a level of fuel in the fuel tank and actuate one or more lights to different states based upon the sensed level of fuel in the fuel tank. | 06-13-2013 |
20130125809 | SYSTEM FOR CHECKING OIL LEVEL - An engine includes a crankcase defining an interior volume for containing lubricant, a fill apparatus including a fill passage and a cap removably coupled to the fill passage, the fill passage defining a main conduit through which the lubricant is provided to the interior volume, a visual interface including an indicator movable in response to an amount of the lubricant in the interior volume to indicate different amounts of the lubricant in the interior volume, a float configured to float on a surface of the lubricant, and a float rod coupling the float to the indicator so that movement of the float in response to changes in the amount of the lubricant in the interior volume causes movement of the indicator. | 05-23-2013 |
20130111867 | VERTICALLY STORABLE ENGINE AND MOWER - A gas powered walk behind mower is configured to be stored in a vertical position or orientation without leaking contained engine fluids. | 05-09-2013 |
20130111866 | VERTICALLY STORABLE ENGINE AND MOWER - A walk behind mower is configured to be stored in a vertical position or orientation. In one implementation, the mower disables a brake release based upon positioning of a handle. In one implementation, the mower facilitates oil changes while the mower is in the vertical orientation. | 05-09-2013 |
20130111865 | STARTER SYSTEM FOR AN ENGINE - A lawn mower includes an internal combustion engine, an electric motor configured to start the engine, a blade driven by the engine, and an assembly for stopping at least one of the blade and the engine. The assembly includes a brake mechanism, a release mechanism movable to an engaged position to release the brake mechanism, an interlock configured to selectively prevent the release mechanism from moving to the engaged position, and an interface allowing an operator to release the interlock to allow the release mechanism to move to the engaged position. The lawn mower further includes a switch actuated by the release mechanism and a control module coupled to the switch so that the switch provides a signal to the control module when the release mechanism is in the engaged position and the control module turns on the electric motor in response to the signal to start the engine. | 05-09-2013 |
20130111864 | STARTER SYSTEM FOR AN ENGINE - A lawn mower includes an internal combustion engine, an electric motor configured to start the internal combustion engine, and a blade driven by the internal combustion engine. The lawn mower further includes an assembly for stopping at least one of the blade and the internal combustion engine. The assembly includes a brake mechanism, a release mechanism, a linkage between the brake mechanism and the release mechanism. The assembly further includes an interlock configured to prevent the release mechanism from releasing the brake mechanism, and an interface allowing an operator to release the interlock. The electric motor is coupled to the assembly such that release of the brake mechanism automatically engages the electric motor to start the internal combustion engine. | 05-09-2013 |
20130106118 | METHOD FOR MONITORING AND CONTROLLING ENGINE SPEED | 05-02-2013 |
20130104849 | VAPOR RELIEF SYSTEM FOR FUEL INJECTOR | 05-02-2013 |
20130104845 | IGNITION SYSTEM FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE | 05-02-2013 |
20130099399 | CARBURETOR INCLUDING ONE-PIECE FUEL-METERING INSERT - A carburetor includes a body having an inner wall and an air/fuel passageway. An insert includes a base having a shape that closely matches the inner wall and a first tower having a first end disposed within the air/fuel passageway. A main circuit passageway is at least partially formed within the first tower and has a first end in fluid communication with the air/fuel passageway and a second end in fluid communication with the fuel bowl chamber. The main circuit passageway carries fuel from the fuel bowl chamber to the air/fuel passageway during engine operation when the throttle valve is opened. A second tower has a first end coupled to the base and a second end spaced away from the base. The first end of the first tower, the second end of the second tower, and the base are the sole engagement points between the insert and the body. | 04-25-2013 |
20130098330 | CONNECTING ROD SYSTEM FOR AN ENGINE - An internal combustion engine includes a piston, a crankshaft having a journal, and a connecting rod. The connecting rod includes a first end coupled to the piston and a second end coupled to the journal of the crankshaft. The second end of the connecting rod includes a bearing surface configured to interface with the journal, and further includes an open portion extending through the second end from the bearing surface to the exterior of the second end. | 04-25-2013 |
20130079182 | PULLEY SYSTEM FOR OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT - A method of manufacturing a pulley system includes spin-forming metal to form an annular wall of a sheave, pressing powdered metal to form a hub of the sheave, and fastening together the annular wall and the hub. | 03-28-2013 |
20130070394 | TRANSFER SWITCH WITH NEUTRAL DISCONNECT - A transfer switch panel including a bonded neutral connection to ground that allows the connection and disconnection of the utility neutral and an auxiliary power source neutral in one switching movement. The transfer switch panel includes a transfer switch connected to both a utility power source and an auxiliary power source. The transfer switch connects either the utility power source or the auxiliary power source to a pair of hot buses and a neutral bus contained within the transfer switch panel. The neutral bus includes a bonded connection to ground such that the neutral line of either the utility power source or the auxiliary power source is connected to ground when providing power to loads connected to a load center panel. | 03-21-2013 |
20130019822 | RECOIL STARTER ASSEMBLY FOR AN ENGINE - An engine includes an engine cover, a blower fan, and a recoil starter having a cover. The engine cover includes an inlet aperture and is configured to house working components of the engine. The blower fan is configured to disperse air received through the inlet aperture to cool the working components of the engine. The recoil starter cover has an opening for air to pass through and is fastened to the underside of the engine cover. | 01-24-2013 |
20120304963 | ENGINE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM - An engine includes a carburetor, a governor assembly, and a vacuum actuator. The carburetor includes a throttle plate configured to control a fluid flow, a throttle lever coupled to the throttle plate, and an intake port in fluid communication with an engine vacuum pressure. The governor assembly includes a governor, a governor linkage coupled to the governor and the throttle lever, and a governor spring coupled to the throttle lever to bias the throttle plate towards the fully open position. The vacuum actuator includes an actuator housing, a pressure-sensitive member positioned in the actuator housing, an actuator linkage directly coupled to the governor spring and also coupled to the pressure-sensitive member for movement in response to the engine vacuum pressure, and an actuator spring coupled between a fixed attachment point and the actuator linkage to bias the actuator linkage to increase the tension on the governor spring. | 12-06-2012 |
20120304948 | ROCKER COVER SYSTEM - An internal combustion engine with an overhead valve configuration includes multiple integral bosses, an exhaust valve rocker stud including an upper portion and a lower portion, an intake valve rocker stud including an upper portion and a lower portion, a head plate supported by the integral bosses such that an air cooling passage is formed between the head plate and the cylinder head, where the head plate is fastened to the cylinder head by the lower portions of the exhaust valve rocker stud and the intake valve rocker stud, and a cover secured to the head plate such that the cover and the head plate enclose the upper portions of the exhaust valve rocker stud and the intake valve rocker stud. | 12-06-2012 |
20120266839 | ENGINE WITH AN AUTOMATIC CHOKE AND METHOD OF OPERATING AN AUTOMATIC CHOKE FOR AN ENGINE - An engine including an automatic choke that includes a choke valve movable between a fully closed position and a fully open position, a temperature sensor coupled to the engine and operable to provide a temperature signal indicative of a temperature of the engine, and a motor connected to the choke valve and operable to move the choke valve in response to a motor control signal. A controller is electrically connected to the motor and to the temperature sensor. The controller includes an electronic circuit having a memory. A table includes engine specific choke position data stored in memory, wherein the controller determines a choke initial position based on the temperature of the engine and the choke position data, and wherein the motor moves the choke valve toward that position in response to an attempt to start the engine. | 10-25-2012 |
20120222395 | HEGHT OF CUT ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM FOR A WALK BEHIND MOWER - A height of cut adjustment system for use with a walk behind mower. The height of cut adjustment system includes a single drive motor that is operable in a first direction and a second direction. The single drive motor is connected to a linkage assembly that supports the four wheels of the walk behind mower relative to the mower deck. When the single drive motor is operated in a first direction, the mower height of cut increases and when the drive motor is operated in the second direction, the height of cut is decreased. The height of cut adjustment system includes a height of cut indicator system that visually indicates the relative position of the wheels relative to the mower deck. The height of cut indicator system includes one or more position indicators that can be selectively positioned to visually indicate the desired height of cut for the mower. | 09-06-2012 |
20120204584 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING THE COOLING AND HEATING FUNCTIONS OF A HEAT PUMP - A method and system for controlling the operation of a heat pump in a load management system. The system includes a heat pump control module positioned between a thermostat and the heat pump. The heat pump module includes a pair of switching elements positioned between the control outputs of the thermostat and the compressor and heating element of the heat pump. A transfer switch control unit can selectively open and close each of the switching element to interrupt the control signals from the thermostat to the compressor and the heating element of the heat pump. The heat pump module is a self-contained unit including both of the switching elements such that a single load control module can be positioned between the thermostat and the heat pump and control both elements of the heat pump. | 08-16-2012 |
20120199089 | PUSH BUTTON STARTING SYSTEM FOR OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT - A starting system for outdoor power equipment that has a controller and a start button to control the activation of an internal combustion engine. The starting system includes a controller that receives a start signal from a start button. The controller monitors for the presence of an enable device in an enable device receptacle and, upon activation of the start button and the presence of the enable device in the enable device receptacle, the controller provides electric power to the electric load of the power equipment. When the start button is depressed for longer than a minimum engagement period, the controller initiates operation of the engine. If the start button is pressed for less than the minimum engagement period, the controller activates the electric load for an auxiliary period without starting the engine. During engine operation, if the start button is depressed, the controller terminates operation of the engine. | 08-09-2012 |
20120181872 | PARALLELING OF TWO TRANSFER SWITCHES - A backup power management system connectable to a primary power source and a secondary power source, and a method of operating the same. The system includes a single controller that is connected to both a first transfer switch contactor and a second transfer switch contactor. Both the primary power source and a secondary power source are broken into two separate output supplies. The two separate output supplies from the primary power source and the secondary power source are each provided to one of the first and second transfer switch contactors. The single controller sends signals to the first and second transfer switch contactors to control the movement of the contactors between first and second positions. In this manner, the single controller controls both the first transfer switch contactor and the second transfer switch contactor. | 07-19-2012 |
20120180346 | SNOW THROWER IMPELLER - A snow thrower impeller includes a layer of material comprising blade support walls and blades extending from the blade support walls. | 07-19-2012 |
20120102789 | SNOW THROWER IMPELLER - A snow thrower impeller includes a layer of material comprising a blade support wall and blades extending from the blade support wall. | 05-03-2012 |
20120042848 | FUEL STABALIZER METERING DEVICE AND METHOD - An apparatus and method discharge fuel stabilizer to a carburetor bowl of an engine during or after completion of engine shutdown. | 02-23-2012 |
20120042477 | FOLDABLE HANDLE RETAINER - Resiliently movable fingers receive a portion of a foldable handle therebetween to retain the handle against folding relative to a frame. | 02-23-2012 |
20120017394 | HANDLE HINGE - A handle hinge includes a first member; a second member is pivotably coupled to the first member; and a sleeve. One of the sleeve and the first member is movable between a first state in which the sleeve extends across a junction of the first member and the second member to inhibit pivoting of the first member and the second member, and a second state in which the sleeve and the first member are positioned to allow pivoting of the first member and the second member. | 01-26-2012 |
20120006839 | FUEL TANK VENT SYSTEM - An apparatus and method vent a fuel tank through an oleophobic membrane. In one embodiment, a pressure relief valve accommodates pressure buildups that may result from use of the oleophobic membrane. In one embodiment, a vacuum relief valve accommodates pressure drops within the fuel tank. that may result from use of the oleophobic membrane. | 01-12-2012 |
20110315133 | AUTOMATIC CHOKE FOR AN ENGINE - An internal combustion engine includes a muffler configured to reduce exhaust gas noise, a choke valve configured to control a flow of air in a carburetor, a thermally responsive element coupled with the choke valve and configured to move the choke valve in response to a temperature change in the thermally responsive element, and a thermally conductive member. The muffler has a housing defining an interior and an exterior. The thermally conductive member has a first portion positioned in the interior of the muffler in direct contact with the exhaust gases and extends through the muffler housing to the exterior of the muffler. The thermally conductive member also has a second portion positioned exteriorly of the muffler and coupled to the thermally responsive element, the thermally conductive member configured to conduct heat from exhaust gases within the muffler to the thermally responsive element. | 12-29-2011 |
20110298286 | DYNAMIC LOAD SHEDDING SYSTEM FOR A STANDBY GENERATOR - A method and system for managing electrical loads on a standby generator. The method includes utilizing a transfer switch control to selectively shed loads each associated with one of a series of priority circuits. Priority values are initially assigned to each of the electric loads based upon the initial hard-wired connection of the electric loads to a main breaker panel during set up. The control unit of a transfer switch allows the user to reassign priority values to each of the electric loads based upon a user preference. The control unit includes one or more predefined priority assignment programs that can be selected to modify the priority values assigned to the electric loads. | 12-08-2011 |
20110298285 | ACTIVE LOAD MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A method and system for managing loads powered by a standby generator. The method includes utilizing a transfer switch control unit to selectively shed loads each associated with one of a series of priority circuits. The loads are shed in a sequential order based upon the priority circuit to which the load is applied. Once a required load has been shed, the control unit determines whether any of the lower priority loads can be reconnected to the generator without exceeding the rating of the generator while one of the higher priority circuits remains open. | 12-08-2011 |
20110291847 | Power Line Carrier (PLC) Communication of Standby Generator Status - A method and system for remotely monitoring the status of a standby generator. The system includes a PLC transmitter in communication with the control unit for the generator. The PLC transmitter receives error codes from the control unit of the generator and transmits encoded error codes over the power distribution network in a home using a PLC frequency. A remote status display device can be connected to the power distribution network in the home at any convenient location. The remote status display device includes a PLC receiver that decodes the error codes. The decoded error codes are displayed on a display of the remote status display device for viewing by the home occupant at a location remote from the standby generator. | 12-01-2011 |
20110260473 | METHOD FOR STANDBY GENERATOR RESTART AFTER FAULT SHUT-DOWN - A standby generator that includes a control unit that allows the standby generator to be automatically restarted upon termination of the generator operation due to a fault condition. The control unit of the standby generator monitors various conditions of the standby generator and terminates operation of the standby generator upon detection of any one of a plurality of fault conditions. After the generator operation has been terminated, the control unit determines whether the fault condition is one of a series of fault conditions that allows automatic restarting. If the fault condition allows for automatic restarting, the control unit monitors the status of the generator and will automatically restart the generator after removal of the fault condition. | 10-27-2011 |
20110215486 | CARBURETOR INCLUDING ONE-PIECE FUEL-METERING INSERT - A carburetor includes a body, a throttle valve positioned in an air/fuel passageway in the body, a fuel bowl coupled to the body, a fuel bowl chamber at least partially defined by the fuel bowl, and a one-piece fuel-metering insert coupled to the body. The insert includes an idle circuit passageway having a first end in fluid communication with a fuel passageway in the body and a second end in fluid communication with the fuel bowl chamber. The insert also includes a main circuit passageway having a first end in fluid communication with the air/fuel passageway and a second end in fluid communication with the fuel bowl chamber. | 09-08-2011 |
20110203864 | HOOD ASSEMBLY FOR A LAWN TRACTOR WITH REMOVABLE COWL - A hood assembly for a lawn tractor that includes a removable air intake cowl to prevent debris and rain from entering into the open interior defined by the hood. The air intake cowl is removably mounted to the hood of the lawn tractor. The hood of the lawn tractor includes a series of engine intake openings that allow air to flow onto the internal combustion engine. The cowl is defined by a top wall and a pair of depending sidewalls that each include a series of air inlet openings. The air inlet openings extend generally perpendicular to the top panel of the hood and thus prevent debris and rain from reaching the engine intake openings. | 08-25-2011 |
20110186004 | HINGED BEAM RETAINER - A retainer extends across first and second overlapping hinged beams to retain the hinged beams against pivotal movement. | 08-04-2011 |
20110147492 | HOSE - A hose includes a first tubular core, a second tubular core, a reinforcement and a jacket. The first tubular core has a first conduit opening into a first passage at a first end of the first conduit and opening into a second passage at a second end of the first conduit. The second tubular core has a second conduit opening into the first passage at a first end of the second conduit and opening into the second passage at a second end of the second conduit. The reinforcement is sandwiched between the first tubular core and the second tubular core. The jacket extends about and interconnects the first tubular core and the second tubular core. | 06-23-2011 |
20110146112 | SNOW BLOWER - A snow blower has an auger housing that pivots relative to an axle supporting ground engaging members of the snow blower or about an axis substantially perpendicular to a direction of travel of the snow blower. | 06-23-2011 |
20110120310 | CYCLONIC AIR CLEANER ASSEMBLY - An apparatus and method utilize a fan to direct air through a screen to cool an engine. A cyclonic air cleaner assembly receives air from the blower fan and directs the air towards an air-fuel mixing device of the engine. | 05-26-2011 |
20110118961 | PUSH BUTTON STARTING SYSTEM FOR OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT - A starting system for outdoor power equipment that has a controller and a start button to control the activation of an internal combustion engine. The starting system includes a controller that receives a start signal from a start button. The controller monitors for the presence of an enable device in an enable device receptacle and, upon activation of the start button and the presence of the enable device in the enable device receptacle, the controller provides electric power to the electric load of the power equipment. When the start button is depressed for longer than a minimum engagement period, the controller initiates operation of the engine. If the start button is pressed for less than the minimum engagement period, the controller activates the electric load for an auxiliary period without starting the engine. During engine operation, if the start button is depressed, the controller terminates operation of the engine. | 05-19-2011 |
20110114123 | DISTANCE INDICATOR - A method and apparatus utilize a first beam emitter and a second beam emitter coupled to the first beam emitter. The first beam emitter and the second beam emitter move in unison between a plurality of positions to indicate a plurality of distances separating the first beam emitter and the second beam emitter from endpoints of beams emitted by the first beam emitter and the second beam emitter. | 05-19-2011 |
20100176518 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONVERTING AN ENGINE TO AN ALTERNATE FUEL - An engine conversion kit for converting an engine that combusts gasoline to an engine that combusts a fuel other than gasoline, such as E85 which is 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline includes a carburetor having a vent passageway that defines a vent size, and an automatic choke system. The kit includes a second carburetor including a primer passageway and a second vent passageway having a second vent size that is smaller than the vent size. The second carburetor is adapted to attach to the engine and replace the carburetor. A primer bulb is configured to connect to the engine and is operable to force air into the primer passageway | 07-15-2010 |
20100078265 | HOSE CAP COUPLER AND CLIP - An apparatus includes a hose cap coupler, a cap removably coupled to the cap coupler and a clip supported by at least one of the cap and the coupler. The clip is configured to retain the cap coupler to an engine or other portions of an implement. | 04-01-2010 |
20100004093 | AUTOMATIC ENGINE SPEED ADJUSTMENT - An apparatus and method move a speed control lever of an engine automatically in response to movement of a manual actuator to engage a driven member. | 01-07-2010 |
20090299614 | ENGINE WITH AN AUTOMATIC CHOKE AND METHOD OF OPERATING AN AUTOMATIC CHOKE FOR AN ENGINE - An automatic choke connectable to an engine. Also disclosed is an engine including the automatic choke, an apparatus including the engine and the automatic choke, and a method of controlling a choke valve. The automatic choke includes a motor for moving a choke valve and a controller electrically connected to the motor. In one construction, the controller is configured to store position information and a flag related to a position of the choke valve, determine the engine has, and control the automatic choke with the stored position information based on the flag and the determination that the engine has re-started. In another construction, the controller is configured to generate a motor control signal to direct the choke valve to a fully-open position without providing choke relief based on a temperature value indicating the engine temperature is greater than a threshold. | 12-03-2009 |
20090294450 | FUEL TANK CAP FOR A FUEL TANK - A fuel tank cap for a fuel tank of an engine. The fuel tank cap includes a fuel cap cover, a housing having a side wall, a bottom wall, and a receptacle, a fuel vapor adsorption material positioned within the receptacle, an inlet disposed near the bottom wall and configured to provide fluid communication with a fuel tank vapor space, an outlet disposed near the bottom wall and configured to provide fluid communication with the atmosphere, an internal wall adjacent the bottom wall and disposed between the inlet and the outlet, and at least one aperture configured to permit fuel vapor to flow in a vapor flow path from one side of the internal wall to the other side of the internal wall. | 12-03-2009 |
20090293828 | ENGINE WITH AN AUTOMATIC CHOKE AND METHOD OF OPERATING AN AUTOMATIC CHOKE FOR AN ENGINE - A method of controlling a choke valve of an engine with a controller is disclosed. Also disclosed is an automatic choke performing the method, an engine having the automatic choke, and an apparatus having the engine. The controller includes an electronic circuit, such as a programmable device, and is coupled to a temperature sensor and a motor. The method includes determining a temperature value using the temperature sensor, determining a time period to hold the choke valve in a first position, keeping the choke valve at the first position for the time period, moving the choke valve from the first position toward a second position using the motor, determining a count to hold the choke valve, keeping the choke valve at the second position for the count, and moving the choke valve from the second position toward a fully open position. | 12-03-2009 |
20090159036 | INTAKE MANIFOLD REGULATORS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES - The present invention provides an internal combustion engine including an engine housing, a crankshaft rotatably supported in the engine housing, a cylinder, a piston movable within the cylinder, a combustion chamber in fluid communication with the cylinder, a fuel system configured to provide fuel to the combustion chamber, an intake passageway configured to provide a fluid to the combustion chamber, and a first regulator at least partially positioned in the intake passageway. The first regulator is selectable from a plurality of regulators. The engine also includes a coupling device configured to maintain the first regulator in the intake passageway, and a slot in the interior wall of the intake passageway that receives an end of the first regulator. The first regulator is configured to be removed and replaced by a second regulator from the plurality of regulators without disassembly of the intake passageway. | 06-25-2009 |
20090159035 | INTAKE MANIFOLD REGULATORS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES - An intake manifold assembly includes an intake manifold having an inlet configured to receive an air/fuel mixture from a carburetor, an outlet configured to discharge the air/fuel mixture into a combustion chamber, an interior wall at least partially defining an intake passageway fluidly communicating the inlet and the outlet, and an aperture in the interior wall. The aperture is positioned between the inlet and the outlet. The intake manifold assembly also includes a first regulator received in the aperture and at least partially positioned in the intake passageway to effectively decrease the cross-sectional open area of the intake passageway. The first regulator is selectable from a plurality of regulators configured to each be at least partially positionable in the intake passageway. The first regulator is configured to be removed and replaced by a second regulator from the plurality of regulators without disassembly of the intake manifold from the carburetor. | 06-25-2009 |
20090146327 | CARBURETOR AND AUTOMATIC CHOKE ASSEMBLY FOR AN ENGINE - A carburetor configured for use with an internal combustion engine includes a body defining a passageway therein, a throttle lever including a cam surface, and a throttle valve positioned in the passageway and responsive to movement of the throttle lever. The throttle valve is configured to rotate about a first axis from a wide-open first position to a second position at least 50 degrees from the first position. The carburetor also includes a choke lever including a follower surface configured to be engaged by the cam surface and a choke valve positioned in the passageway and responsive to movement of the choke lever. One of the cam surface and the follower surface includes an arcuate segment having a constant radius centered on a second axis. The arcuate segment is sufficiently long such that the throttle valve is configured to move at least 15 degrees while the other of the cam surface and the follower surface engages the arcuate segment. | 06-11-2009 |
20090116972 | PRESSURE WASHER PUMP HOUSING STAND - An apparatus and method support a pressure washer pump housing with a stand directly connected to the pressure washer pump housing. | 05-07-2009 |
20090107087 | CYCLONIC AIR CLEANER ASSEMBLY - An apparatus and method is a fan to direct air through a screen to cool the engine. A cyclonic air cleaner assembly receives air from the blower fan and directs the air towards a carburetor. | 04-30-2009 |
20090085264 | ISOLATION MOUNT SYSTEM - An engine mount system for a lawn mower having a front, rear, and two sides. The engine mount system includes a mounting plate, an engine, first and second elastic members, and first and second brackets. The engine is mounted to the mounting plate and applies a torque force to the mounting plate during lawn mower operation. The first bracket is provided on the mounting plate and includes a first surface. The first surface is adjacent the first elastic member and partially faces the front, thereby placing the first elastic member into compression when the engine applies the torque force to the mounting plate. The second bracket is provided on the mounting plate and includes a second surface. The second surface is adjacent the second elastic member and partially faces the rear, thereby placing the second elastic member into compression at the same time as the first elastic member. | 04-02-2009 |
20090071752 | OIL REMOVAL SYSTEM AND METHOD - An apparatus for draining oil from an engine. The apparatus includes an engine having an engine housing, crankshaft, a piston, and an oil reservoir, an engine starting mechanism configured to engage the crankshaft and piston, a check valve configured to prevent pressure in a crankcase from escaping and configured to allow filtered air into the engine, and a selector valve configured to open a flow path between the check valve and a vent so oil can be drained. | 03-19-2009 |
20090057309 | FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY AND BAFFLE DEVICE - A baffle device, configured to be disposed near an outlet of a fuel tank, includes a fitting having an aperture therethrough and a first baffle. The first baffle includes a passageway in fluid communication with the aperture and a first baffle aperture configured to permit entry of fuel vapor into the passageway and exit of fuel vapor from the passageway. The baffle device also includes a second baffle overlying at least a portion of the first baffle aperture. | 03-05-2009 |
20090044777 | AUTOMATIC CHOKE FOR AN ENGINE - An engine starting assist system configured to be used on an internal combustion engine. The engine starting assist system includes a battery, a choke valve disposed in an air intake of an air/fuel-mixing device, the choke valve having an open position and a closed position, a rotary solenoid powered by the battery, the rotary solenoid having an output shaft, and a bimetal coil. The output shaft of the rotary solenoid is coaxial with the bimetal coil. | 02-19-2009 |
20080251055 | EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM - An evaporative emissions control system for an engine including a fuel tank having a fuel tank vapor space, a carburetor coupled to the fuel tank, and a fuel tank cap having fuel vapor adsorption media that adsorbs vapor from the fuel tank vapor space. The fuel tank cap is in fluid communication with the carburetor via the vapor space and is configured to permit fuel vapor stored in the fuel adsorption media to be purged into the carburetor via the vapor space. | 10-16-2008 |