Abstract: An internal combustion engine including an electrical starting system which integrates several components into a single assembly for easier manufacture and operation of the engine. For example, a safety switch and key are integrated with the electric motor starting system. The starting system includes a starter motor having a drive member in selective driving relationship with the engine crankshaft, and also includes a key and a switch assembled to the starter motor.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine including an electrical starting system which integrates several components into a single assembly for easier manufacture and operation of the engine. For example, a safety switch and key are integrated with the electric motor starting system. The starting system includes a starter motor having a drive member in selective driving relationship with the engine crankshaft, and also includes a key and a switch assembled to the starter motor.

Abstract: Mechanical compression and vacuum release mechanisms for internal combustion engines. The compression and vacuum release mechanism may include a pair of centrifugally responsive flyweights pivotally mounted to the cam gear. One of the flyweights actuates a vacuum release member having a vacuum release cam and the other of the flyweights actuates a compression release member having a compression release cam. In another embodiment, the compression and vacuum release mechanism includes a single flyweight having structure associated therewith to actuate a vacuum release member and a compression release member having respective vacuum and compression release cams. The compression and vacuum release cams are in lifting engagement with the valve actuation structure of one of the intake or exhaust valves of the engine during engine starting to relieve compression and vacuum within the combustion chamber and thereby facilitate easier engine starting.

Abstract: A common engine speed control mechanism for small internal combustion engines, which may be configured to allow for actuation of the speed control mechanism between stop, idle, and various engine running speed positions by actuation of one of a selected plurality of speed control levers. Each of the plurality of speed control levers is oriented so that it is movable in a direction which is substantially non-parallel to the direction of movement of the other speed control levers. In one embodiment, the actuation of the common speed control mechanism can be accomplished by movement of a first speed control lever in a substantially horizontal, side-to-side direction or by movement of a second speed control lever in a substantially vertical, up-and-down direction.

Abstract: Mechanical compression and vacuum release mechanisms which are of simple construction and which significantly reduce the effort required to start an internal combustion engine. In several embodiments, the compression and vacuum release mechanisms include a centrifugally responsive flyweight pivotally mounted to the camshaft, the flyweight coupled to a pair of compression and vacuum release pins which include respective compression and vacuum release cams that are in lifting engagement with the valve actuation structure of one of the intake or exhaust valves of the engine during engine starting to relieve compression and vacuum within the combustion chamber and thereby facilitate easier engine starting. After the engine is started and reaches running speed, the flyweight pivots responsive to centrifugal force and in turn pivots the compression and vacuum release cams out of engagement with the valve actuation structure of the intake or exhaust valve to allow the engine to operate normally.

Abstract: A vented fuel tank cap for closing the filler neck portion of a fuel tank for a small gasoline powered implement. The fuel tank cap assembly includes a cap member having threads for removably attaching the cap assembly to the fuel tank filler neck. The cap member also includes a post depending from an interior of the cap member. The cap assembly further including a gasket having an annular rim surrounding a dome portion and an opening. The opening of the gasket is disposed on the post and retained by a rib protruding externally from the post. The gasket dome portion is deformed by the rib so that the annular rim is held in contact with the interior surface of the cap member.

Abstract: A vented fuel tank cap for closing the filler neck portion of a fuel tank for a small gasoline powered implement. The fuel tank cap assembly includes a cap member having threads for removably attaching the cap assembly to the fuel tank filler neck. The cap member also includes a post depending from an interior of the cap member. The cap assembly further including a gasket having an annular rim surrounding a dome portion and an opening. The opening of the gasket is disposed on the post and retained by a rib protruding externally from the post. The gasket dome portion is deformed by the rib so that the annular rim is held in contact with the interior surface of the cap member.