Patents by Inventor Jeffrey C. Blonski

Jeffrey C. Blonski 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: 7012508
    Abstract: A door opener control system for outdoor power equipment. The system may generally include a transmitter coupled to the outdoor power equipment, a switch in communication with the transmitter, and a power supply, such that the transmitter is operable to remotely control the door between an open position and a closed position in response to a condition of the switch. The power supply may include a battery and the transmitter may be programmed to operate with a variety of receivers. The switch may be implemented with a variety of contact and non-contact type switches mounted on an instrument panel of the outdoor power equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Vince Shiely, Jeffrey C. Blonski, Paul A. Tharman
  • Patent number: 6975216
    Abstract: A fluid condition indicating system and method using visual and audible devices. The system includes a circuit having visual and audible indicators, a power supply, and a plurality of switches or sensors. A start switch is coupled to the power supply, the visual indicator, and the audible indicator, and an enable switch is responsive to an ignition signal. During engine starting, the circuit enables the visual indicator in response to a condition of the start switch and a low fluid sensor, and disables the audible indicator. The audible indicator is enabled in response to the condition of the enable switch after engine starting, and may include a transistor or an output of a controller such as a microprocessor. The system may be integrated into a single wiring harness that can be easily replaced or retrofit onto existing outdoor power equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Tharman, David G. DeBaets, Steven G. Hoch, Jeffrey C. Blonski, Robert L. Blohm
  • Patent number: 6830023
    Abstract: An engine starting system that includes a power source, an electromagnetic coil and core, and a choke valve disposed in an air intake of an air/fuel-mixing device of an internal combustion engine. At the time of starting the engine, the power source outputs an electrical signal to an electromagnetic coil and core, inducing a magnetic field from the electromagnetic coil and the core. The magnetic field from the core moves the choke valve toward a substantially closed position that enriches an intake mixture of fuel and air to the engine during starting. In one embodiment, the power source includes a moving magnet that interacts with a stator coil to provide the electrical signal to the electromagnetic coil. In another embodiment, the closing of a starter switch allows a battery to provide the electrical power to the electromagnetic coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Tharman, Curtis L. Schultz, Jeffrey C. Blonski, Thomas G. Guntly
  • Publication number: 20040246118
    Abstract: A fluid condition indicating system and method using visual and audible devices. The system includes a circuit having visual and audible indicators, a power supply, and a plurality of switches or sensors. A start switch is coupled to the power supply, the visual indicator, and the audible indicator, and an enable switch is responsive to an ignition signal. During engine starting, the circuit enables the visual indicator in response to a condition of the start switch and a low fluid sensor, and disables the audible indicator. The audible indicator is enabled in response to the condition of the enable switch after engine starting, and may include a transistor or an output of a controller such as a microprocessor. The system may be integrated into a single wiring harness that can be easily replaced or retrofit onto existing outdoor power equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Paul A. Tharman, David G. DeBaets, Steven G. Hoch, Jeffrey C. Blonski, Robert L. Blohm
  • Patent number: 6752110
    Abstract: An engine starting system for an internal combustion engine. The starting system includes a starter switch electrically connected between a battery and a starter motor for the engine, and a choke valve disposed in an air intake of an air/fuel-mixing device for the engine. The choke valve moves in response to a solenoid actuator. The solenoid actuator is electrically connected to the starter motor and a temperature switch. When starting the engine below a threshold temperature, the starter switch and temperature switch close such that the battery powers the starter motor and solenoid actuator. The energized solenoid actuator moves the choke valve to a closed position to enrich the air/fuel mixture. Above a certain threshold temperature, the temperature switch interrupts the power to the solenoid actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Tharman, Curtis L. Schultz, Jeffrey C. Blonski, Thomas G. Guntly
  • Publication number: 20040089259
    Abstract: An engine starting system that includes a power source, an electromagnetic coil and core, and a choke valve disposed in an air intake of an air/fuel-mixing device of an internal combustion engine. At the time of starting the engine, the power source outputs an electrical signal to an electromagnetic coil and core, inducing a magnetic field from the electromagnetic coil and the core. The magnetic field from the core moves the choke valve toward a substantially closed position that enriches an intake mixture of fuel and air to the engine during starting. In one embodiment, the power source includes a moving magnet that interacts with a stator coil to provide the electrical signal to the electromagnetic coil. In another embodiment, the closing of a starter switch allows a battery to provide the electrical power to the electromagnetic coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Paul A. Tharman, Curtis L. Schultz, Jeffrey C. Blonski, Thomas G. Guntly
  • Publication number: 20040055554
    Abstract: An engine starting system for an internal combustion engine. The starting system includes a starter switch electrically connected between a battery and a starter motor for the engine, and a choke valve disposed in an air intake of an air/fuel-mixing device for the engine. The choke valve moves in response to a solenoid actuator. The solenoid actuator is electrically connected to the starter motor and a temperature switch. When starting the engine below a threshold temperature, the starter switch and temperature switch close such that the battery powers the starter motor and solenoid actuator. The energized solenoid actuator moves the choke valve to a closed position to enrich the air/fuel mixture. Above a certain threshold temperature, the temperature switch interrupts the power to the solenoid actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Paul A. Tharman, Curtis L. Schultz, Jeffrey C. Blonski, Thomas G. Guntly