Abstract: This invention provides an accumulator of mechanical energy and a starter for an internal-combustion engine actuated by energy from the accumulator. The energy is stored by elastically extensible elastomeric elements wound circumferentially around supports disposed according to the generatrices of a cylindrical member.

Abstract: An engine starter drive device having a sleeve member slidably and mounted for rotation on a power shaft of a motor is disclosed. The sleeve is connected to a mounting shaft which is mounted adjacent to the power shaft. A pinion gear is mounted on the mounting shaft. A driving clutch member is mounted on external helical splines formed on the sleeve. The driving member is connected in one direction of rotation to a driven clutch member by axially extending clutch teeth. The driven member is connected to the pinion gear for rotation therewith. Between the driving and driven clutch members is a centrifugal separator member which moves the driving clutch member away from the driven clutch member above a predetermined rotational speed. The pinion gear thus is mounted on that portion of the mounting shaft that is isolated from the outer environment.

Abstract: A novel transmission is provided for use with a vehicle having a drive train and an engine with a rotary drive output shaft. The transmission comprises a housing having a driven member rotatably mounted to the housing and the driven member is coupled to the engine drive shaft. A drive member is also rotatably mounted to the transmission housing and is adapted for connection to the vehicle drive train so that rotation of the drive member in one direction propels the vehicle forwardly while the opposite rotation of the drive member propels the vehicle in reverse. A plurality of coupling members including at least one annulus are contained within the housing and selectively couple the driven member to the drive member in different gearing ratios in order to propel the vehicle. In addition, the annulus is driven by the engine in a predetermined direction of rotation.

Abstract: A device for transmitting power from a power driving unit to a driven member of an internal combustion engine embodies a first power transmitting member having one end adapted to be detachably connected to the power driving unit. A second power transmitting member in axial alignment with the first power transmitting member has one end adapted to be detachably connected to the driven member of the internal combustion engine. Cooperating male and female threaded members are carried by adjacent end portions of the first and second power transmitting members. Upon rotation of the cooperating members in one direction, the adjacent end portions of the power transmitting members move toward each other and engage each other to transmit power from the power driving unit to the driven member of the internal combustion engine. A resilient member operatively connects the power transmitting members to each other and absorbs shock and kick-back forces generated by the driven member of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A quick release starting device for internal combustion engines having a rotary crankshaft is shown. The device includes a case, a sliding shaft vertically disposed within the case, and a compression spring mounted about the shaft inside the case. An exchangeable socket is mounted on the lower end of the shaft to engage the engine crankshaft. Downward pressure on the sliding shaft compresses the spring and engages the socket. When the engine starts and pressure is removed from the shaft, the spring tension is released thereby assisting the operator in disengaging the socket from the crankshaft.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lawn mower including an engine having a first rotatable gear, an energy storage and delivery mechanism connected to said engine and comprising an energy storing spiral spring, a gear set including rotatably mounted second and third gears in mesh with each other and with one of the gears of the gear set connected to the spiral spring, which gear set is displaceable between a stop position wherein one of the second and third gears is in mesh with the first gear so as, in response to rotation of the first gear, to rotate the second and third gears in the direction which is effective to store energy in the spiral spring and a start position wherein the other of said second and third gears is in mesh with the first gear so as, in response to delivery of energy to the gear set from the spiral spring, to rotate the first gear in the engine operating direction, a releasable pawl movable selectively between positions engaged with and disengaged from the energy storage and delivery mechanism for p

Abstract: A replacement starting motor of the type for use in starting a passenger vehicle internal combustion engine is provided by converting a donor motor originally manufactured for one engine installation into a form making it a substitute for a starting motor manufactured for a different engine installation. The motor shell and solenoid housing and internal features contained therein are retained as a core from the donor starting motor in the replacement starting motor. A newly developed end cap assembly having a shape and spacial dimensions enabling the retained components of the donor starting motor to fit the different engine installation of the starting motor being replaced is attached to the donor core. A newly developed pinion sleeve having a unique length dimension is provided in the replacement starting motor to enable the retained components of the donor starter to properly bring the drive pinion into and out of driving engagement with the flywheel associated with the different engine installation.

Abstract: A hand starting mechanism for an internal combustion engine includes an axially displaceable starting shaft. The starting shaft has a one way dog coupling which couples the starting shaft to the shaft to be cranked during the starting procedure but which disengages these shafts when the engine starts running. The starting shaft also includes an outer entrainment pin which engages a claw-like frontal recess in the inner rotary part of a freewheel device during the starting procedure. Upon engine kickback, the outer entrainment pin slides over one or more ramps in the frontal recess moving the starting shaft in an axially outward direction to disengage the one way dog coupling.

Abstract: An engine starter drive assembly is disclosed of the type including a pinion gear moveable from a rest position to a driving position to engagement with gear teeth formed on an engine flywheel, the pinion adapted to be rotated by the starter motor in order to start the engine after engaging the flywheel teeth. In order to be properly located with respect to the flywheel gear teeth, the pinion gear moves axially into engagement with a fixed stop located at a predetermined position to produce proper engagement of the pinion with the flywheel teeth. The starter also includes an antidrift compression spring and washer assembly biasing the pinion gear against axial movement out of the retracted position. The disclosed starter assembly features a shielding cup supported on the fixed stop and extending towards the pinion gear hub extension to enclose the space therebetween, preventing the build-up of foreign matter tending to interfere with the axial movement of the pinion gear.

Abstract: An engine starter gear of the positive shift type has a clutch to provide driving, indexing, means for keeping the clutch teeth in engagement during the indexing function, and a centrifugal separator to separate clutch teeth in an overrunning condition. The separator includes spherical members retained in an annular retainer member, which spherical members move radially outward of the shaft as the engine accelerates to transmit axial thrust against an inclined surface on an annular ring member to displace the driving clutch member from the driven clutch teeth. The axial thrust on the annular ring member causes separation of the clutch teeth in an overrunning or overspeed condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an actuator for an electric starter, comprising a thin sleeve of which the periphery comprises two flanges between which a two-piece collar is placed. The lugs of this collar engage in a notch in the lever to prevent rotation of the sleeve. The invention finds particular application in the automobile industry.

Abstract: A control lever assembly for the actuator of a starter for internal combustion engine, the pivoting of which is effectuated by means of a member which is hinged freely with respect to said lever, said member being provided with two heads comprising each a convex lateral surface which cooperates with complementary recess of the casing of said starter.

Abstract: A rope drum is rotatably mounted on an axle, which is fixed in a frame. A rope is wound on said drum and adapted to be pulled from said drum so as to rotate the latter in a predetermined sense. A pullback spring tends to rotate said drum opposite to said predetermined sense. A one-way coupling element is pivoted to said drum on a pivotal axis that is parallel to the axis of said axle. The coupling element carries a first stop and is pivotally movable about said pivotal axis from an inner position to an outer position for one-way coupling engagement with a clutch member on an input shaft of an internal combustion engine, and back to said inner position.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/FR78/00013 Sec. 371 Date Mar. 19, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date Mar. 19, 1979 PCT Filed July 19, 1978 PCT Pub. No. WO79/00061 PCT Pub. Date Feb. 22, 1979A lever for controlling the actuator of an electrical starter, for internal combustion engine, the connection between each friction block and the corresponding arm of a fork of the lever of the starter actuator being made by means of the ends of a single elastic stirrup member which is a part separate from said lever.

Abstract: A compact starter for internal combustion engines features a torque transfer assembly in which a drive motor and a drive pinion are mounted in side-by-side, parallel relation. The power shaft of the drive motor and the pinion shaft of the pinion are coupled together in driving engagement by a gear train assembly including a housing having coupling surfaces which permit the drive motor and drive pinion to be positionally rotated independently with respect to each other for accomodating the mounting clearance requirements of different engines. The gear train assembly features an idler gear which transfers torque from a motor pinion mounted on the power shaft and a pinion gear mounted on the pinion shaft. The idler shaft is confined between the drive motor and the torque transfer housing in a compact arrangement which permits efficient torque transfer in the side-by-side, parallel mounting arrangement without interferring with independent mounting adjustment of the drive motor relative to the drive pinion.

Abstract: An overrunning clutch designed for use with engine starters and the like whereby the starter may apply its output to start the engine without damage due to overspeed of critical starting motor components after the engine has started and obtained running speed.The overrunning clutch of this invention is provided with two splines. The first a straight spline which allows axial translation of the starter output shaft and a second helical spline which assists in engagement and disengagement of interlocking face clutch jaws between the input drive shaft and the output drive shaft. A centrifugally restrained clutch engagement spring in combination with the helical spline permits overrunning with minimum wear of the face clutch jaws.

Abstract: A rope for actuating a recoil starter is trained about a movable pulley outside a main body of the recoil starter, and the movable pulley is rotatably supported by a swing arm or a handle. By moving the swing arm in swinging movement or pulling the handle, the movable pulley can be moved to thereby pull the rope out of the main body of the recoil starter to start the engine. By virtue of the action of the movable pulley, the distance covered by the movement of the swing arm or the handle is smaller than the length of the portion of the rope paid out of the main body of the recoil starter to actuate the recoil starter. At least one further pulley may be provided for guiding the rope in its movement, and a manually operated handle may be additionally attached to the rope. Pulling of the rope automatically makes it possible to actuate an auxiliary engine starting means.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed wherein a starter provides power for starting an engine and the starter gearing and an overrunning clutch are arranged so that the engine drives an accessory coupled to the starter by using particular elements of the starter gearing while other elements of the gearing come to rest, thereby eliminating separate drive means between the starter and accessory.

Abstract: Apparatus for limiting excessive torque imposed by a driving member on a driven member under impact torque conditions. The apparatus includes clutch means arranged to be loosely set for permitting slippage to reduce the torque upon the instant of impact and to be automatically tightened to carry normal torque thereafter.

Abstract: A power take-off for a motor through a recoil starter mounted axially in relation to the flywheel. Operation of the recoil starter is not interfered with. Provision is also made for axial concentricity of drive and driven shafts when the power take-off is in use.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine starter motor of the kind wherein the pinion gear wheel assembly includes a roller clutch. The small diameter drive sleeve of the clutch is encircled by an annular seal and the seal engages the sleeve and an annular barrier member, the barrier member sealingly engaging the housing of the starter motor at its outer periphery.

Abstract: A direct cranking starter device for an internal combustion engine has a rotatable driving member to be connected to a starting motor and an overrunning clutch for engaging the driving member to the crankshaft of the engine with a movable shock absorbing member interposed between the driving member and overrunning clutch to prevent initial starting torque intermittent shock loads generated upon initial activation of the starting motor from being transmitted through the driving member to the overrunning clutch.

Abstract: A starter decoupler automatically responsive to occurrence of failure of an overrunning clutch to decouple the clutch from an output shaft to prevent overspeed of the starter.

Abstract: An operating device selectively connects and disconnects a first operating system with a second operating system. The first operating system has a frequently used operating piece, such as a brake lever. The second operating system would conventionally have an infrequently used operating piece, such as a starting lever. Switching means selectively connects and disconnects the first and second operating systems so that the systems may be operated simultaneously or separately by the operation of a single operating piece, such as a brake lever.

Abstract: A unidirectional drive system, particularly intended for electric starter motors of internal combustion engines, comprises a ratchet wheel surrounded by a cage having one or more pivoted pawls. These pawls can either be in engagement with the ratchet wheel or can move out of such engagement, generally as a result of centrifugal force. A stop device, which may be a cylindrical ring or a pair of discs, can move into position to hold the pawls out of engagement with the ratchet wheel.

Abstract: In an engine starter gearing comprising a pinion and a sleeve which are connected by an overrunning clutch, the pinion has a tubular extension which is rotatably received within an axial bore portion of the sleeve in order to center the outer casing of the said clutch which is solid with the pinion, with respect to the inner race of said clutch which is formed on the sleeve, independently of the shaft on which the pinion and sleeve are supported.

Abstract: This specification discloses an automobile starter motor having a lever pivotally coupled to the housing of the starter and movably supporting a pole piece so that energizing the starter causes the pole piece to move toward the housing and to align to seat against the housing. The connection between the lever and the pole piece is a ball joint connection which permits relative movement between the pole piece and the lever so that there is maximum engagement between the housing and the pole piece which increases the starter holding force by reducing flux path reluctance and equalizing flux distribution through the extremities of the pole piece, and simplifies manufacturing, by reducing solenoid power and thus coil windings required and by eliminating a rigid connection between the pole piece and lever.

Abstract: A support for automotive starter motors of the type having a shaft rotated by the motor, in which the starter motor includes a gear mounted on the shaft for engaging the flywheel of an aircraft engine or the like, in which the support comprises a first plate for mounting adjacent the flywheel and a second plate normal to the first plate, the second plate having a hole therein. The starter motor is bolted to the second plate with the shaft extending through the hole. A conical housing is carried by the second plate and has a hole at the apex thereof, rotatably supporting the extremity of the starter motor shaft, the housing further including an opening along one side thereof for permitting access of the gear to the flywheel.

Abstract: A recoil-type starter for an internal combustion engine. The starter includes a drum with a starting wire wound around it. The drum is disposed to confront a driven member such as a fly-wheel which is in turn operably connected to the engine. A starting pawl is pivotally secured to a peripheral portion of the drum, and is adapted to be pivotally moved to project radially outwardly of the drum into engagement with a cooperative projection formed on the driven member as the drum is rotated by pulling the starting wire, thereby to impart a starting inertia to the engine through the driven member. A stop is unitarily formed on the drum for limiting the outward pivotal movement of the starting pawl. The stop is positioned to abut a portion of the starting pawl close to the outer end of the latter at which the cooperating projection of the driven member contacts from the radially outer side of the drum.

Abstract: An overrunning clutch device including a thrust ring slidably fitted in the driven clutch member and held connected with the driving clutch member and a set of spherical centrifugal weights mounted on respective radially flexible resilient arms of a weight retainer, which is fixed to the driven clutch member integral with a drive pinion. The centrifugal weights are held in rolling contact with a tapered annular guide surface of the thrust ring and act to force the latter and hence the driving clutch member away from the driven clutch member under centrifugal force when their speed of rotation exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: A starter bracket that is mountable on a part of the handle frame of a machine such as a lawn mower which has a pull-cord starting device. The bracket has an extensible post carried by a clamp which can be positioned on the frame so that the post extends downwardly into contact with the surface on which the mower stands. An extension cable passes over a guide in the clamp and has means on one end for coupling the cable to the handle on the pull-cord and a stirrup or foot pedal on the other end for engagement by the user's hand or foot. The post can be collapsed when not in use and swung around the clamp to a storage position. A recoil spring may be engaged with the cable or stirrup for assisting the starting device in restoring the pull-cord and cable to retracted positions. A preferred embodiment also has a motion multiplying device by which the pull cord is moved a distance greater than the distance of movement of the stirrup.

Abstract: A starter motor wherein a seal is provided between the casing and the pinion assembly. The pinion assembly carries a cylindrical component which does not rotate but which moves axially with the assembly. The seal is annular and is carried by the casing with its inner periphery engaging said component throughout the range of axial movement of the assembly.

Abstract: A device for winding a spiral spring to start an engine of a construction such that a pedal shaft and a driving sprocket which is supported on the pedal shaft are connected each other in a freely rotatable manner through a clutch which is engaged and disengaged in accordance with forward and reverse rotations of the pedal shaft, that a ratchet pawl which permits the forward rotation of the pedal shaft and prevents the reverse rotation thereof is caused to be engaged with the outer peripheral teeth of the driving sprocket, and further that the driving sprocket and a driven sprocket which is provided on a starter shaft to be connected with a spiral spring are interlinked by a power transmission chain so as to cause the spiral spring to be wound around the starter shaft at the time of the forward rotation of the driving sprocket.

Abstract: Pull starters for cranking an internal combustion engine in a cranking direction include clutch driven means mounted upon a rotatable part of the engine which is rotated during starting by driving clutch means mounted for rotation by a starting pulley. The starting pulley is a spring retrieved pulley which causes rotation of the driving clutch means. The pulley carries projecting clutch disengagement means to forceably disengage the driving clutch means from the clutch driven means if normal disengagement does not occur.The starting pulley is provided with a spring retaining collar extending from one surface of the pulley, and this collar is provided with an outer spring engaging surface. An open ended spring retaining channel is formed beneath the collar outer surface, and a cam step surface extends inwardly from the outer surface to guide a spring into the open end of the channel. Also, the collar is formed to lock a spring end within the spring retaining channel.

Abstract: An improved engine starting device for a motorcycle of the kick pedal type is provided which is easy to operate, does not require any large force of operation and is thus particularly suitable for an unskilled and powerless person such as a woman or girl to operate. To this end, the device includes a spiral spring which is operatively associated with an engine crankshaft and with a pedal arm so that it can rotate the crankshaft for engine cranking by releasing its spring force or energy previously accumulated by several repetitive swing motions of the pedal arm due to the rider's foot operation. The device also provides improved safety in engine starting operation by preventing the motorcycle from starting to run unintendedly even where the engine is started with the engine throttle valve being opened excessively.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an engine comprising a starter pinion and a flywheel assembly including a generally circular member having a peripheral surface including a radially outwardly extending lip. A ring gear is secured to the peripheral surface and includes teeth adapted for engagement with the starter pinion. The flywheel assembly also includes a flexible annular member secured to the circular member between the lip and the ring gear. The flexible member is located adjacent the ring gear to prevent access to the ring gear teeth by an engine operator, and is displaceable away from the ring gear teeth during engagement of the ring gear teeth with the starter pinion.

Abstract: A safety device for a rotary starter switch for an automobile vehicle, of the type comprising a non-rotatable part and a part which is rotatable with respect to the non-rotatable part about an axis of revolution. The safety device comprises elastically yieldable means connected to one of the two parts and a profile integral with the other part and constraining said elastically yieldable means to travel through two different paths depending on the direction of rotation, one of which paths has an anti-return abutment. Said elastically yieldable means comprise a spring blade so disposed as to be cooperative by its edge with said anti-return abutment.

Abstract: A starter for a rope pull outboard motor that may be quickly and readily attached to the top of the motor housing. The device includes an outboard motor rope pulling member that can be spring-loaded by a manually operable means after which the handle of the outboard motor rope may be connected to the rope pulling member. Novel guiding means is used for the rapid movement of the rope pulling member to quickly pull the rope to start the motor when the spring biased rope pulling member is freed. A shock absorber brings the rope pulling member to a resilient stop at the end of the movement of the member.

Abstract: A direct cranking starter drive for an internal combustion engine has a driven member drivably connected to the engine crank shaft and a driving unit drivably connected to the starting motor. A clutch between the driving unit and the driven member is engaged when the engine runs below a running speed for drivably connecting the driving unit to the driven member and is disengaged when the engine runs above the running speed for disconnecting the driving unit from the driven member. Bearings are provided for permitting relative rotation of the driving unit and driven member when the engine is running and the clutch is disengaged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to starter gearing of the positive shift dentil type overrunning clutch wherein provisions are made for the resilient means to absorb the torsional loads on the housing body after the starter gearing has become engaged with the engine ring gear, thereby enabling the elimination of a bearing sleeve member under the pinion gear and enabling the use of smaller sized pinion gears, resulting in the use of said starter gearing on smaller pinion gear applications.

Abstract: A side-mounted pull-rope recoil starter for low horsepower, vertical crankshaft internal combustion engines in which a starter gear moves vertically in a pair of journalled slots in the starter mounting bracket into engagement with a ring gear carried by the engine flywheel. The starter includes a starter brake spring which is released when the starter gear engages the flywheel, an operator handle which is specifically contoured to be comfortably held by the operator during pulling of the starter rope and a mechanical interlock between the engine and a drive transmission to prevent engagement of the starter mechanism when the transmission is in other than the neutral position. A safety lock mechanism which is operable by means of a removable key and which prevents unauthorized activation of the starter mechanism is also disclosed. A top-mounted pull-rope recoil starter is disclosed which incorporates many features of the basic side-mounted starter embodiment.

Abstract: A device for starting one of a plurality of airplane engines with a starter by way of hydrodynamic transmission elements or a hydrodynamic torque converter having arranged in parallel therewith an overriding clutch that is connected to each engine. The engines are adapted to be coupled to each other by means of transmission gearing and coupling means arranged behind the hydrodynamic transmission elements when viewed from the engine side. The hydrodynamic transmission elements are adapted by variation of the filling to be controlled in such a way that the power intake beyond a predetermined speed will increase at a lower rate.

Abstract: A mechanical power transmission assembly for starting Stirling engines has a power input shaft driven by a starter motor and a plurality of power take off devices comprising at least two one-way clutches coupled to the shaft, one of which includes a reduction gear. A further power take off device comprises a third one-way clutch coupled to transmit torque from the second power take off device to the first power take off device. Thus a blower may be rotated at the same speed as the starter motor, and a starter gear at a lower speed until the engine speed increases, so that the blower motor can then be driven by the Stirling engine and the starter motor switched off.

Abstract: A starter drive for an internal combustion engine has a plunger pole starting motor drivably connected to a pinion adapted to engage the ring gear on the engine when cranking the engine. A shift fork is pivotally mounted on a lever arm connected to the plunger pole and a single spring urges the shift fork to position the pinion in cranking position when the motor is energized and returns the shift fork to position the pinion in non-cranking position when the motor is deenergized. Space is made available for a cushioning device between the motor and pinion to absorb starting torque.

Abstract: A drive component of a roller clutch assembly for use in an internal combustion engine starter motor includes an annulus formed internally with a cam form which in use is engaged by rollers of the clutch assembly. The component further includes a sleeve which is formed from non-magnetic material and which is provided with internal splines. The annulus and the sleeve are positioned with their axes co-extensive, and the sleeve is formed with an integral flange. The flange of the sleeve has therein a plurality of recesses, and the annulus includes a plurality of projections which are received in respective recesses of the flange of the sleeve. The interengagement of the projections and the corresponding recesses couples the sleeve and the annulus for rotation.

Abstract: A roller clutch assembly for use in an internal combustion engine starter motor. The assembly includes a clutch outer member which is arranged to be driven and a clutch inner member which carries a pinion gear wheel. The clutch inner member and the pinion gear wheel are arranged as parts of a common member having a radial shoulder between the inner member and the gear wheel. A plurality of rollers lie between the inner and outer clutch members and a plurality of compression springs each urge a respective roller in a circumferential direction. An annular washer is carried by the outer clutch member and abuts the shoulder to prevent disengagement of the clutch inner member from the clutch outer member. The washer is formed in at least two parts and the parts defining the washer are so shaped that the abutting edges of the parts are disposed other than parallel to the convolusions of the springs.

Abstract: A lawn mower starting interlock for gas powered mowers for preventing engagement between the starting pinion and flywheel thereof when the mower is in a predetermined condition, for example, when the mower wheel drive mechanism is engaged. A pivotable lever which may be pivoted into the path of advance of the starter pinion in a Bendix type starter as the starter pinion advances along a helical worm gear towards engagement of a flywheel is disclosed. The lever may be pivoted by means of a bowden wire arrangement, the opposite end of which is attached to the mower drive engagement mechanism or a linkage which moves therewith.

Abstract: In an engine assembly including a starter mechanism having a housing receiving a starter rope reel normally retained in the housing by ears integral with the housing and bent inwardly to underlie the reel; the provision of one or more brackets for supporting the reel in the event that one or more ears are damaged or broken off while being bent during removal or installation of the reel, as during replacement of the reel starting rope, for example. Columns support a reel receiving portion of the housing on a lower part of the housing. The brackets clamp to these columns and have an abutment on which the periphery of the reel is surmounted. Each bracket has opposed channels and is somewhat resilient to snap over and receive opposite edge portions of the column in the channels. The brackets are preferably formed of a heat and lubicant resistent plastic such as molded nylon.

Abstract: An improved starting apparatus is utilized in association with a starting motor to effect rotation of an engine ring gear. The starting apparatus includes a pinion gear which is movable from a disengaged position to an engaged position in meshing engagement with an engine ring gear. If the pinion gear teeth and ring gear teeth are misaligned as the pinion gear is moved toward the engaged position, a plurality of balls cooperate with surfaces of grooves extending transversely to the path of movement of the pinion gear to effect rotational movement of the pinion gear relative to the engine ring gear. This pinion gear rotation moves the pinion gear teeth into alignment with the engine ring gear teeth and thereby enables the pinion gear to move into meshing engagement with the ring gear.