Patents by Inventor James D. Makiya

James D. Makiya has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7628387
    Abstract: An air/fuel mixing apparatus, configured for use with an internal combustion engine, includes a body defining a passageway therein, a throttle lever including a cam surface, a throttle valve positioned in the passageway and responsive to movement of the throttle lever, 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 and the throttle lever. The air/fuel mixing apparatus also includes a solenoid configured to disengage the choke lever from the throttle lever, and move the choke valve to a substantially-opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Briggs and Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Max W. Clouse, Aaron Halfmann, David Roth, James J. Dehn, Kyle R. Clasen, Donald Szopinski, Matthew A. Martinek, Brian R. Paul, James D. Makiya
  • Patent number: 7389853
    Abstract: A muffler suited for use in discharging exhaust gas from an engine. The muffler generally includes a housing that defines a muffler interior, an inlet aperture, and an outlet aperture. A baffle that defines a baffle interior is positioned to divide the muffler interior into an inlet space and an intermediate space. A first aperture is defined within the baffle to provide fluid communication between the inlet space and the intermediate space and a second aperture is formed within the baffle to provide for fluid communication between the intermediate space and the baffle interior. A flow guide is integrally formed with the baffle and is positioned to direct exhaust gas from the baffle interior through the outlet aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen J. Ryczek, James D. Makiya, William M. Kindness, Kyle Clasen
  • Patent number: 7104233
    Abstract: An engine oil heater suited to use with an engine having an oil fill port in fluid communication with an oil reservoir that is adapted to contain a quantity of oil. The engine heater generally includes a coupling member operable to engage the oil fill port and a heater element interconnected with the coupling member and having a sufficient length such that the heater element is adapted to be at least partially immersed in oil. A temperature sensor is positioned to measure a temperature and a first electrical connector is configured to engage a second electrical connector. The first electrical connector is electrically connectable to the heater element to provide a flow of current and a control circuit is operable to vary the flow of current to the heater element in response to the measured temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen J. Ryczek, James D. Makiya, William M. Kindness, Kyle Clasen
  • Patent number: 6520141
    Abstract: A rewind cover guard for an internal combustion engine. The guard has a mounting surface and a flange. The mounting surface has an inner edge and an outer edge, and is disposed between the blower housing and the starter rewind cover of the engine. The flange is formed integral with the mounting surface and projects outwardly from the mounting surface near the outer edge. The flange is disposed adjacent the starter rewind cover. The flange extends in a direction transverse to the mounting surface, and is disposed vertically above the rewind cover. The flange has a deflecting surface facing away from the rewind cover, and a lip along the free edge of the flange. The guard diverts water and melted snow away from the rewind cover to help prevent moisture from entering the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen J. Ryczek, James D. Makiya, William M. Kindness
  • Publication number: 20020189571
    Abstract: A rewind cover guard for an internal combustion engine. The guard has a mounting surface and a flange. The mounting surface has an inner edge and an outer edge, and is disposed between the blower housing and the starter rewind cover of the engine. The flange is formed integral with the mounting surface and projects outwardly from the mounting surface near the outer edge. The flange is disposed adjacent the starter rewind cover. The flange extends in a direction transverse to the mounting surface, and is disposed vertically above the rewind cover. The flange has a deflecting surface facing away from the rewind cover, and a lip along the free edge of the flange. The guard diverts water and melted snow away from the rewind cover to help prevent moisture from entering the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Stephen J. Ryczek, James D. Makiya, William M. Kindness
  • Patent number: D529924
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen J. Ryczek, James D. Makiya, William M. Kindness, Kyle Clasen
  • Patent number: D536004
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen J. Ryczek, James D. Makiya, William M. Kindness, Kyle Clasen
  • Patent number: RE40548
    Abstract: An engine oil heater suited to use with an engine having an oil fill port in fluid communication with an oil reservoir that is adapted to contain a quantity of oil. The engine heater generally includes a coupling member operable to engage the oil fill port and a heater element interconnected with the coupling member and having a sufficient length such that the heater element is adapted to be at least partially immersed in oil. A temperature sensor is positioned to measure a temperature and a first electrical connector is configured to engage a second electrical connector. The first electrical connector is electrically connectable to the heater element to provide a flow of current and a control circuit is operable to vary the flow of current to the heater element in response to the measured temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Briggs and Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen J. Ryczek, James D. Makiya, William M. Kindness, Kyle Clasen