Covers, Trays, Vibrators, Corrosion Inhibitors, Air Filters Patents (Class 123/198E)
  • Patent number: 5203292
    Abstract: A wiring arrangement for an outboard motor including a printed circuit board fitted within a magneto generator cover that is secured to the top of the engine of the outboard motor overlying the rotor. The printed circuit board has projecting portions that extend radially outward from a generally disk-shaped body for coupled connection with branch wires, one of which acts as an output line extending from a remote control unit within an associated watercraft. The other branch wires extend downwardly to supply power to various electrical components of the outboard motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hitoshi Motose
  • Patent number: 5199389
    Abstract: The invention in directed to a work apparatus such as a motor-driven chain saw having a housing and an air-cooled internal combustion engine mounted therein. An exhaust-gas muffler is mounted in proximity to the cylinder of the engine. A flow of cooling air for cooling the cylinder is guided transversely through the housing. In order to obtain an efficient cooling, the muffler has an L-shaped housing and is configured to define a conducting wall for guiding the cooling air flow. One leg of the L-shaped housing is disposed approximately parallel to the flow direction of the cooling air on one side of the cylinder while the other housing leg lies transversely to the flow direction thereby causing the air of the air flow to partially back up. In this way, the side of the cylinder facing away from the flow direction is cooled with the cooling air being effective down to the base of the cooling ribs of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl
    Inventors: Gunter Wolf, Reinhold Fink
  • Patent number: 5197426
    Abstract: An integral plastic engine housing is disclosed for small internal combustion engines such as those used on lawnmowers, snowblowers, generators and the like. The integral plastic housing integrates the blower housing, air filter housing, fuel tank, starter rewind housing, carburetor, primer bulb assembly and brake cover into a single unit to reduce the manufacturing and assembly costs. In a preferred embodiment, a plastic carburetor is connected to the remainder of the integral plastic housing via a pair of rails and corresponding slide members. The position of the carburetor with respect to the fuel tank and the air filter housing allows the air filter housing and fuel tank to be directly connected to the carburetor without the need for intervening hoses or lines and their associated clamps. The integral housing is substantially made from a polyethylene plastic material, with the carburetor and parts of the primer bulb assembly being preferably made from nylon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Frangesch, Scott Funke
  • Patent number: 5195484
    Abstract: An engine air intake system comprises a primary inlet tube or snorkel with an opening that provides air to the air cleaner, and a secondary inlet opening located downstream from the primary inlet opening. The primary inlet tube also has a low point, with a drain to eliminate any of the water. If the primary inlet tube becomes partially or completely blocked with water, the secondary inlet tube will provide the necessary air to the engine until the water is eliminated through the drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Fritz J. Knapp
  • Patent number: 5195483
    Abstract: A locking device for connecting and disconnecting the top portion and tray of a cowling of an outboard motor. A locking mechanism comprising a pair of guide members each having a bore, one affixed to the top cowling and the other affixed to the cowling tray such that the guide member bores are adjacent to and aligned with one another when the top cowling is fitted onto the tray. A movable member is slidably supported within the top cowling guide member bore and has an outer portion that is biased outward by a spring for engagement with the tray guide member bore. An inner wire slidably supported within an outer sheath interconnects the movable member with a release lever that is rotatably supported on the upper surface of the top cowling. Upward movement of the lever causes the movable member to retract into the top cowling guide member bore against the force of the spring and disengage with the tray guide member bore so that the top cowling may be unlocked and detached from the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hitoshi Ishida
  • Patent number: 5183017
    Abstract: An air filter device is disclosed which includes a dry air filter and a dust precipitator for an internal-combustion engine, having a dust extraction blower in a dust exhaust-air line leading away from the dust precipitator. In order to maintain perfect operation of the internal-combustion engine, in addition to the dust exhaust-air line there is provided an additional exhaust-air line which is connected to the intake side of the motor-driven blower and has a shut-off element which opens in the event of failure of the dust extraction blower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventor: Stefan Bopp
  • Patent number: 5181487
    Abstract: A split oil pan is arranged for permitting removal of a rear sump portion relative to a front sump portion to accommodate access interiorly of a crank case of an associated internal combustion engine. The oil pan includes a rear sump portion forward flange cooperative with a forward sump portion rear flange securable together by use of a fastening pan member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Inventor: Timothy E. Rodabaugh
  • Patent number: 5174258
    Abstract: An induction system for the internal combustion engine of a snowmobile that includes first and second air filters the first of which is disposed within the engine compartment and is not readily viewed by the operator and the second of which is disposed so that it can be viewed externally from the engine compartment for the operator to determine if it has been clogged with snow and requires servicing. In addition, a portion of the air flowing to the engine is heated by passing it through the engine compartment while another portion is direct atmospheric air for controlling the temperature of the air delivered to the engine without large temperature variations to insure better running under all ambient conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroshi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5167209
    Abstract: An air filter arrangement for a gas engine which is used in a dirty environment such as roof removing machines which covers the air inlet to the fan and consists of an annular air filter and a foam air filter which fit over the fan air inlet and which is held in place by a plate that attaches it to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Inventors: Richard L. Dufern, George Riddiford
  • Patent number: 5152365
    Abstract: An air intake system for a snowmobile which comprises an internal combustion engine having an induction system. A body is provided which cooperates in defining an engine compartment wherein the engine and induction system are contained. This body has an opening for inducting air from the atmosphere and is in communication with a passageway which defines an air flow path from the opening to the induction system so that air flows from the opening to the induction system without accumulating in the engine compartment. A filter element is positioned between the opening and the induction system across the air flow path such that the air flows in a generally upward direction through the filter element. The filter element not only prevents snow and ice from being sucked into the induction system but also prevents these elements from clogging the filter, while still allowing for adequate air flow to the induction system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasushi Aoshima
  • Patent number: 5152538
    Abstract: A composite seal assembly which includes a retainer element, a retainer insert and an elastomeric sealing unit. The elastomeric sealing unit is bonded to the retainer insert and the retainer insert is thereafter secured in fluid tight relation to a circular opening within the retainer element. The elastomeric seal unit includes a primary lip with a seal band formed by convergent frusto-conical air and oil side sealing surfaces. The retainer element and the retainer insert are formed from resinous synthetic plastic materials and at least a portion of the retain element includes an end face for fluid tight engagement with an opposed end face of a machine part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: Chicago Rawhide Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve A. Mims
  • Patent number: 5148777
    Abstract: Apparatus for killing marine life, such as zebra mussels, in the cooling system (14) of a boat having a water-cooled internal combustion engine (11) includes a flexible bag-like enclosure (20) which is adapted to be mounted on the boat so as to provide a closed volume of water communicating with the cooling system inlet (18) and cooling system outlet (19). When the engine is allowed to idle in neutral, cooling water is drawn from the enclosure and is circulated through the cooling system in heat exchange relation to the engine, and is discharged back into the enclosure. The temperature of water in the enclosure and cooling system will therefor increase. After the engine has been operated for a period of time, the temperature of water in the enclosure and the cooling system will increase to a level necessary to kill marine life in the cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: JVB Development, Inc.
    Inventor: John V. Brockhurst
  • Patent number: 5148786
    Abstract: An air cleaner is fixed, at least at a fixing portion of the air cleaner, to a motorcar body reinforcing member which is provided in an engine room to increase the supporting rigidity of the air cleaner. The air intake duct is disposed around the reinforcing member so that the duct length can be increased and the duct can be laid out in a space-efficient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuo Matsumura, Atsushi Niimi
  • Patent number: 5140957
    Abstract: The combination apparatus silences and filters air flow and separates air-contaminant mixtures. An air filter joins an annular housing which has an outer wall and a channel defining a central axis, the channel having a primary gas inlet coupled to the air filter and a primary gas outlet and a channel wall. The apparatus has a secondary inlet port passing through the outer wall. A secondary outlet port defines an opening in the channel wall such that there is no straight line flow path between the secondary inlet and the secondary outlet. An air silencer is contained within the channel. A passageway between the secondary inlet and the secondary outlet is defined exteriorly by the outer wall and interiorly by the channel wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Inventor: Robert A. Walker
  • Patent number: 5136993
    Abstract: An oil guiding housing is arranged below the crankcase of an internal-combustion engine and has a storage tank for lubricating oil and a housing part with a connection for an oil filter. In the pan part of the oil guiding housing situated directly below the crankshaft, a forward flow and return flow part for lubricating oil is integrated. The oil guiding housing ensures a targeted guiding of all lubricating oil flows and provides a good degassing of the oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Herbert Ampferer, Manfred Batzill
  • Patent number: 5134977
    Abstract: An engine air cleaner inlet tube for bringing air from outside the engine compartment of an automotive vehicle to the engine includes an entry section with a generally hemispherical chamber for bringing air drawn from outside the engine compartment, a venturi section having a circular configuration coupled to and extending radially from the hemispherical chamber, and an exit section coupled to the venturi section, with the exit section being adapted for connection with an air cleaner system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: James E. Bagger, James M. Barba, Russell D. Haese
  • Patent number: 5133316
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cylinder head cover for an internal combustion engine having excellent vibration-damping properties which is prepared by molding a composition comprising 75 to 30% by weight, based on the composition, of resin components comprising 50 to 80% by weight of a polyamide resin and 50 to 20% by weight of a modified polyolefin resin modified with an unsaturated acid or its derivative, the total of both the resins being 100% by weight, 15 to 30% by weight of glass fibers based on the composition, and 10 to 40% by weight of mica based on the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignees: Chisso Corporation, Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd., Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michio Kasai, Rikio Yonaiyama, Hirotoshi Fujikawa, Hidetoshi Ishihara, Joji Kasugai, Junji Koizumi
  • Patent number: 5133315
    Abstract: A filter assembly for filtering the cooling air entering the starter housing of a small air-cooled internal combustion engine. The assembly includes a plurality of upstanding brackets attached to the perforated face of the starter housing. The brackets include hook-shaped upstanding ends. A foam filter medium includes a plurality of slits formed therein, which correspond to the brackets. The filter is placed over the brackets and against the face of the housing such that the brackets receive the respective slits. A retaining ring is snapped into the hook-shaped ends for retaining the filter and for biasing the filter against the face of the starter housing to form a tight seal therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventor: Paul T. Reese
  • Patent number: 5130014
    Abstract: An oil pan for an internal combustion engine has a relatively flat bottom part as well as a deep pan section as the oil sump with a suction pipe of an oil pump extending into the deep pan section. The deep pan section is designed as a removable oil container. The oil can thus be changed rapidly and without draining the oil since all the oil is collected in the oil container. A cover may be provided to close the container when removed from the shallow flat bottom part. Also, a filter may be mounted in the container and its upper section may be vented to the engine crankcase ventilation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Wolfgang Volz
  • Patent number: 5125940
    Abstract: The improved in-line air filter apparatus of the present invention includes an air filter housing disposed in-line on the engine air intake hose of an internal combustion engine, with a tubular air filter element longitudinally disposed therein and having a closed axial end of such tubular air filter element disposed upstream of an open axial downstream end, with the open tubular end having a size and shape substantially congruent with the size and shape of the engine air intake hose of the internal combustion engine for minimizing the turbulence of the filtered air supplied thereto, and with the closed upstream tubular end having an annular shaped air inlet portion surrounding such closed upstream tubular end for directing air longitudinally and inwardly through the body of the tubular air filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: Champion Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent C. Stanhope, Paul E. Simms
  • Patent number: 5125378
    Abstract: A cooling system is provided for enclosed first and second heat sources including an enclosure substantially enclosing the heat sources. The first and second heat sources are positioned in the enclosure. A heat exchanger, also positioned within the enclosure, is connected through the enclosure to an external source of cooling fluid and is adapted for cooling air within the enclosure. The heat exchanger has a first surface for receiving the air to be cooled and a second surface for expelling cooled air. First and second air circulation means are provided within the enclosure for circulating air past both the first and second heat sources and the heat exchanger. A first baffle portion separates the first and second heat sources and extends to the first surface of the heat exchanger, and a second baffle portion extends to the second surface of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: Westerbeke Corporation
    Inventor: John H. Westerbeke, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5121715
    Abstract: A number of embodiments of air cooled compact power supplies having air inlet and air outlet openings in the lower portion of the housing of the power supply. The interior of the power supply is baffled so that the air flowing through it must follow a serpentine path to prevent air entrained foreign materials from impinging upon the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Eiji Nogami, Hironori Nakayama, Kazuhito Kitano
  • Patent number: 5120334
    Abstract: An air cleaner for an internal combustion engine includes a filter element and a housing having the filter element situated therein, with the housing having an outlet for allowing filtered air to flow to the engine and an inlet permitting entry of air into the housing. The outlet includes a venturi which is integral with the outer wall of the housing and which defines a passage through the wall, with the venturi expanding radially on the inner side of the housing's outer wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: David G. Cooper
  • Patent number: 5117932
    Abstract: A snowmobile has an upper hood having a plurality of air intakes, an engine provided downstream of the air intakes, and an air box having an air cleaner and communicating with an inlet port of the engine. An electronic control unit is disposed in a case which is secured to an upper wall of the air box. A deflector is disposed between the air intakes and the case so as to deflect intake air from the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignees: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Japan Electronic Control Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Kurosu, Mitsugi Chonan, Fusao Tachibana, Kazuo Suzuki, Yoshiki Yuzuriha
  • Patent number: 5113819
    Abstract: A cooling system for a vertical, liquid cooled engine having a first passage for guiding cooling air to a cooling fan disposed above the engine, and a second passage for guiding the cooling air drawn by the cooling fan to flow past the engine and to be exhausted forwardly and downwardly of the engine. The first passage includes an air inlet defined rearwardly of the engine, and is defined by part of an engine hood, a vertical bracket plate erected behind the engine, and a partition extending from the engine hood over an upper surface of the engine. Devices accessory to the engine which are vulnerable to the heat are mounted in a space inside the first passage. The second passage is formed by an air guide cover enveloping the engine and cooling fan and defining an opening in a region opposed to the cooling fan. The air guide cover includes a front portion extending downwardly along the cylinder head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Masatake Murakawa, Ryozo Imanishi, Yoji Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 5105778
    Abstract: A two-stroke engine with crankcase compression has a hose (17) with an inlet duct (18) to the engine block of a chain saw with a partition wall (15) between an engine and a carburetor room (14). The hose runs from the carburetor through the wall to the engine block and is provided with a flange (20) squeezed between the wall and the carburetor which attached by set screws to the wall. In the same hose (17), a hollow passage (19) runs from the crankcase to the fuel pump of the carburetor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Electrolux
    Inventor: Mats R. Svensson
  • Patent number: 5100443
    Abstract: An air filter assembly for an engine such as a chain saw engine. The filter assembly includes a cage, a foam filter having a sidewall surrounding a sidewall of the cage, a retaining member pressing an endwall of the filter against an endwall of the cage and a nut. The nut receives a threaded end of an anchor bolt passing through axially aligned holes in the endwalls of the cage and the filter and a hole in the retaining member. The filter assembly provides high flow rates therethrough and substantially avoids penetration of dirt around the nut connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Inventor: Joseph J. Berto
  • Patent number: 5094217
    Abstract: An air fuel injector system for a two cycle crankcase compression internal combustion engine, including an insulating housing encircling and enclosing at least a portion of the air fuel injectors for sound deadening. In addition, air is circulated through this housing to cool the injectors. The circulated air is air that is bypassed from an air compressor to maintain regulated pressure for the air fuel injectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Junichi Kaku, Takahiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5083538
    Abstract: An air intake system for an internal combustion engine associated with the power head of an outboard marine propulsion system. The engine includes a vertical crank shaft and a flywheel mounted to the crank shaft above the engine block. An air manifold is mounted to the forward side of the engine, and includes an air inlet for receiving intake air. The air intake system includes an air flow path or duct defined by a series of walls, a rearwardly facing air intake opening and a discharge opening for supplying intake air to the air manifold inlet. The engine is enclosed within a cowl assembly, and the air intake opening is located toward the upper end of the cowl assembly interior. The walls defining the air flow duct are formed integrally with a flywheel cover for facilitating assembly of the air flow duct to the engine. The air flow duct minimizes ingestion of water into the engine and reduces engine noise in the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: James C. Hubbell
  • Patent number: 5070830
    Abstract: A powertrain including an engine and attached power transmission means has a stiffening bracket extending between the side walls of the engine block and the transmission means housing. The bracket extends under and separate from the engine oil pan and has integral ribs depending from a floor and extending longitudinally and diagonally from the power transmission connections to each of the side wall connections to add both bending and torsional stiffness to the powertrain, thus reducing vibration, noise and stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Assignee: Saturn Corporation
    Inventors: David F. Malven, Richard P. Andersen, Charles R. Baker
  • Patent number: 5062496
    Abstract: A structure for mounting an air cleaner in an engine compartment. The air cleaner is supported on an engine and a transmission having different vibration frequencies. Therefore, the frequency of an applied vibration force does not coincide with the natural frequency of the air cleaner, with the result that resonance of the air cleaner is prevented and reliability of the air cleaner is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Hirotaka Fukada, Koichi Kondoh, Tsuyoshi Tsuchida
  • Patent number: 5059221
    Abstract: A filter assembly comprising: first and second compartments, the first compartment comprising an exit tube, the second compartment comprising an air inlet the exit tube comprises a plurality of radial inwardly extending stand-offs; an air flow sensor for sensing the mass of air exiting the exit tube, including an exit conduit adapted to be received upon and supported by the stand-offs; the exit conduit and exit tube cooperating to form a tuner inlet passage, the air flow sensor further including an entrance conduit, positioned upstream of the exit conduit; an insert comprising tapered walls including first and second ends, the first end defining an opening conformal to a first open end of the first housing member and adapted to be joined therewith, the second end defining a hollow sleeve of substantially the same size as the entrance conduit and adapted to sealingly mate therewith; thereby enclosing, in cooperation with the first compartment a tuner volume communicated with the tuner inlet passage; an air fil
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Siemens-Bendix Automotive Electronics Limited
    Inventor: Richard D. McWilliam
  • Patent number: 5054442
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bearing bridge connecting the main bearing seats of a reciprocating-piston combustion engine in the longitudinal direction of the crankshaft. To reduce the power loss caused by the oil flowing back into the crank case space striking the rotating drive parts, and the oil ageing rate, it is proposed to provide the bearing bridge between the main bearing seats with a shape which screens off the rotating drive parts of the combustion engine with respect to the crank case space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventors: Albert Pietsch, Georg Eiermann, Wolf Boll
  • Patent number: 5050549
    Abstract: A method for cleaning and protecting a diesel cooling system from corrosion and the effects of the corrosive by-products wherein a filter is used to feed a dissolvable pellet comprising dissolvable cleaning agents and corrosion inhibiting agents into the cooling system. The cleaner consists of chelating agents, surfactants, and anti-foaming agents. The filter is removably inserted in the cooling system, and the cleaners and inhibitors dissolve in the coolant to clean and protectively coat the cooling system while the engine is operating. The removed impurities are captured by the filter and the filter is replaced within a few weeks with a standard filter containing inhibiting agents. The method thus does not require draining the cooling system to clean the cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Inventor: George R. Sturmon
  • Patent number: 5048478
    Abstract: A single cylinder air-cooled internal combustion engine has a bracket which is mounted to the engine encircling the crankshaft between the flywheel and the crankcase. A plurality of engine accessories are mounted to the bracket as a subassembly prior to assembly of the bracket to the engine. The engine accessories include a safety brake, a throttle control lever, an electric starter, an alternator, a finger guard and a cooling air baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventors: Kevin G. Bonde, Mark T. Holschuh, Lee E. Roller
  • Patent number: 5046578
    Abstract: An engine is disposed in a front portion of an automobile and has a crankshaft extending in a longitudinal direction of the automobile. A transmission is coupled to a rear end of the engine and a final speed reduction gear unit is disposed laterally of the engine and separate from the transmission. The output shaft of the transmission and the input shaft of the final speed reduction gear unit are interconnected by an intermediate transmission shaft. A steering mechanism for turning front wheels of the automobile includes a steering tie rod coupled to the front wheels and disposed downwardly of the intermediate shaft between the transmission and the final speed reducer gear unit. The engine includes a cylinder having an axis inclined from the vertical in a transverse direction of the automobile, the final speed reduction gear unit being disposed on the side of the engine away from which the axis of the cylinder is inclined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nakayama, Tomokazu Takeda, Toshiyuki Yumoto, Mitsuo Kitada, Shoji Ohta, Masatoshi Chosa
  • Patent number: 5040503
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed that separately delivers air and fuel to an engine carburetor while minimizing the number of components. The fuel tank is integrally formed with the air box and the air filter housing so that the air passageway from the air filter to the carburetor intake is at least partially defined by a common wall between the fuel tank and the air filter housing. The opposite air passageway wall is in part defined by the air filter itself. A flexible, substantially tubular elbow is used to connect the air box outlet to the carburetor intake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Schwabe, James M. Grayson
  • Patent number: 5035211
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising an engine block including a cylinder and a combustion air passage for supplying combustion air to the cylinder, an air silencer communicating with the combustion air passage, and an elastic connector for securing the air silencer to the engine block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Mate, Duane E. Rogers, Henry C. Billingsley, George L. Broughton, Glenn R. Belec
  • Patent number: 5033578
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a sound-proofing casing, and a silencer arranged in a separate chamber within the casing such that it does not touch the walls of the separate chamber. Fresh cooling air passes through an inlet opening from the interior of said casing into the separate chamber, and spent cooling air from said separate chamber passes back into the air flowing within the casing, whereby all of the spent air flows from the interior of the sound-proofing casing through an outlet opening of said casing to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Motorenfabrik Hatz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Erich Absenger
  • Patent number: 5025763
    Abstract: A latching mechanism for connecting the top portion and tray of a cowling which surrounds an internal combustion engine of an outboard motor. In the preferred embodiment, a pair of keepers, one secured to the front side of the top portion of the cowling and the other secured to the rear side of the top portion, engage with a connecting mechanism, secured on the front and rear sides of the tray of the cowling, to connect the top portion and tray of the cowling with each other. An operating lever supported for rotation about a vertical shaft is operatively connected to the connecting mechanism such that rotation of the lever releases the connecting mechanism from the keepers so that the top portion of the cowling can be detached from the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Assignee: Sanshin Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eifu Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5018492
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a work apparatus such as a motor-driven chain saw or the like and is especially directed to a one-hand chain saw. The apparatus has a housing for an engine for driving the work tool and an air/fuel-mixture is metered to the engine. The chain saw includes one handle for carrying and guiding the apparatus with the handle including a hold handle portion aligned approximately in the longitudinal axis of the chain saw and disposed above the housing. The handle also includes a bail-type side handle portion arranged at an angle toward the forward end of the hold handle portion. The hold handle portion is widened transversely to the longitudinal axis at its rearward end to permit the one-hand chain saw to be reliably held and guided. The carburetor is mounted in the receiving chamber so that the housing of the work apparatus can be smaller and thereby enable the hold handle portion to be brought closer to the gravity center of the chain saw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl
    Inventors: Gunter Wolf, Reinhold Fink
  • Patent number: 5016585
    Abstract: An anticorrosive system for preventing marine-using engines comprises an anti-electrolytic corrosive device, including a low potential metal member through which an engine coolant can pass, the device being arranged in the vicinity of a coolant intake port of an engine cooling unit; an electrically connecting unit for connecting between the anti-electrolytic corrosive device and several portions of the engine to generate an anticorrosive current owing to the potential between the low potential metal member and the engine metal, whereby preventing the engine from suffering with electrolytic corrosion and depositing the resolved low potential metal onto the inner surface of the coolant pipe of the engine cooling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: Tosa Plastic Zosen Corporation
    Inventor: Daisuke Ito
  • Patent number: 5014660
    Abstract: A cooling system is provided for an enclosed heat source including an enclosure substantially enclosing the heat source. The heat source is positioned in the enclosure. A heat exchanger, also positioned within the enclosure, is connected through the enclosure to an external source of cooling fluid and is adapted for cooling air within the enclosure. Air circulation means are provided within the enclosure for circulating air past both the heat source and the heat exchanger. A method of cooling an air cooled heat source within an enclosure is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Westerbeke Corporation
    Inventor: John H. Westerbeke, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5010855
    Abstract: In a DOHC engine, a sprocket chamber is formed at the cylinder head at one end thereof, and formed with a lateral opening. A timing chain drivingly interconnects a crankshaft and an idler gear, whereas a camshaft driving chain drivingly interconnects the idler gear and a pair of cam sprockets. A first tensioner is mounted to a cylinder block for adjusting the tension of the timing chain, whereas a second tensioner is mounted to the sprocket chamber for adjusting the tension of the camshaft driving chain. There are provided means for defining an access to the first tensioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Ltd. of No. 2
    Inventors: Etsuo Ogami, Yoshio Iwasa
  • Patent number: 5009205
    Abstract: A crankshaft supporting device for a multi-cylinder engine including a plurality of bulkheads provided in a cylinder block of the engine to be arranged along an axis of the crankshaft, disposed in a lower part of the cylinder block. A bearing cap member has a plurality of bearing cap portions each coupled with a lower end of one of the bulkheads so as to constitute a bearing portion for supporting the crankshaft in conjunction with the bulkhead, and a pair of beam portions extending along the axis of the crankshaft to interconnect therethrough two adjacent bearing cap portions. A reinforcement member has a side wall portion which is coupled with a skirt portion of the cylinder block, and a plurality of bolt seats are located underneath the beam portion of the bearing cap member. A plurality of ribs interconnect at least one of the bolt seats and at least one of the side wall portions. A plurality of bolts fasten the beam portions with the bolt seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Ryoji Abe, Junichi Okita, Katsunobu Miyagoshi, Kouichi Hashiyama
  • Patent number: 5007383
    Abstract: In a water-cooling system for a water-cooled horizontal engine, a radiator and a radiator fan are arranged at the front of a cylinder head which is mounted forwardly of a cylinder block of the engine. A radiator fan generates a cooling air flow which passes through the space over the cylinder head and toward the radiator, the height of the radiator being sized to match the width of the cylinder block measured in the upward and downward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Assignee: Kubota Limited
    Inventors: Ryoichi Ito, Koji Iwai, Tsuyoshi Nishida
  • Patent number: 5005534
    Abstract: An induction system for an internal combustion engine that is disposed transversely in an engine compartment. The induction system comprises a plurality of manifold runners that emanate from one side of the cylinder head, extend over the top of the cylinder head and terminate at a plenum chamber positioned on the other side of the cylinder head. For sound deadening purposes, a sound deadening baffle plate is affixed to the manifold runners. In some embodiments, this is done on the top of the manifold and in other embodiments, it is done on the underside of the manifold runners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takehiro Washizu, Tsutomu Nagamatsu
  • Patent number: 5000142
    Abstract: To reduce the size and weight and the number of parts required for a chain cover apparatus for an engine, the chain cover for covering a chain for transmitting a rotational force of a crankshaft to at least one camshaft mounted on a cylinder head comprises a chain cover formed with a cylindrical hollow projection portion extending frontward and having a hole through which the crankshaft is passed, and an oil pump accommodated within the cylindrical hollow projection portion and driven by the crankshaft. Further, the chain cover is formed with a semicircular flange portion formed at a lower wall of the cylindrical hollow projection portion so as to be joined with an oil pump, and with two flat flanges formed on both sides of the cylindrical hollow projection portion so as to be joined between the oil pan and the engine block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuo Aruga, Yoshio Iwasa
  • Patent number: RE33575
    Abstract: Rigidifying or structural members are used to increase structural stiffness of cylinder block and consequently have reduced vibrations and noise emitted therefrom. These devices in the past have reduced serviceability, increased engine component complexity, increased cost and allowed additional interfaces for lubricant to leak therefrom. The subject structural member or rigidifying member provides a simple, inexpensive, light-weight solution to increasing structural stiffness of cylinder block. The subject structural member has an uninterrupted flange therearound and a plurality of equally spaced longitudinally positioned openings therethrough. The flange is secured in frictional contact with the inner mounting surface inside the oil pan. Thus, the interface for lubrication leakage of past members has been eliminated. The openings have reduced the weight of the member and provide an opening through which the crankshaft can swing preventing the need to increase the engine height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Benny Ballheimer, Michael K. Stratton
  • Patent number: D324867
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Thunder Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis R. Lyndhurst, Philip T. Lieb