Abstract: A camshaft assembly for an internal combustion engine includes a rotatable camshaft and a cam lobe mounted on the camshaft for rotation therewith. The cam lobe includes first and second axial ends and an integral crowned cam profile formed in its periphery which includes a radially extending shoulder located between the first and second ends. The shoulder may be formed by a pair of axially extending parallel tapered surfaces in the cam profile.

Abstract: The device automatically determines whether a load is being applied to the engine, and outputs a change signal that is used to change one or more engine operating parameters accordingly, such as engine speed, engine timing, or fuel flow. The load is sensed without using a manifold pressure or throttle plate position sensor, thereby reducing the cost of the system. The load is sensed by determining a period of a first crankshaft revolution, determining a period of the successive second crankshaft revolution, and computing a difference value that is a function of the difference between the first and second periods. Since the difference value is proportional to engine load, the difference values may be compared with a reference value to determine whether a load is being applied to the engine. The reference value may be preset, may be manually determined by the operator, or may be learned by the system's software.

Abstract: A core mask assembly is provided for depositing a core within an internal pattern formed by the joinder of first and second cooperating mold sections. The core mask assembly includes a reciprocal carrying ram and a base member interconnected to the ram. A face plate having a pattern for receipt of the core is removably connected to the base member. A unique mounting and alignment arrangement permits easy removal and replacement of the face plate when desired.

Abstract: A pour spout for conducting a liquid, such as fuel, from a portable ventless container to a tank which includes a mechanism for enabling a user to readily determine when the tank is full and when fluid flow from the portable container into the tank has stopped. The mechanism includes a window in a wall of the container and a deflector connected to the pour spout which extends into the interior of the container for directing air bubbles entering the container through the pour spout toward the window. The window permits a user to visually determine when the displaced air bubbles stop flowing which is an indication that the tank is full and flow of the liquid has stopped. The window may be in the form of a translucent thin wall section, a transparent pane mounted in the wall, or the container itself may be translucent throughout so that the displaced air bubbles may be seen when directed to a location adjacent a wall.

Abstract: A circuit module for a vehicle ignition lock. The circuit module houses a pair of electrical contacts on either side of a key way for closing a circuit between the contacts and a resistor provided in a key. The circuit module includes a cover and base adapted to be secured to one another for enveloping and securely holding a wire set within the module and for positioning the contacts in proper alignment with the key way. The circuit module is adapted to fit into a cylindrical cavity provided in a bezel of the lock.

Abstract: A microprocessor-controlled inductive ignition system uses a magneto inductive ignition circuit at engine starting speeds, and a microprocessor-controlled ignition circuit at engine running speeds. The microprocessor senses the ignition firings, computes the time between successive ignition firings, and disables the magneto inductive ignition system when the engine speed is greater than a predetermined cut-off speed. The ignition system enables an engine with a recoil starter to be started if the battery is low or if an alternator is used to power the microprocessor. At engine running speeds, the ignition system achieves a greater amount of timing advance than achievable with an inductive ignition system alone, thereby increasing engine efficiency.

Abstract: A cylinder lock set includes a retaining tumbler which has a cammed outer tip adapted to be received in a receptive slot such that the cylinder may be rotated in the slot to engage the cammed outer tip of the retaining tumbler and cam down the tumbler into the cylinder to provide clearance between the slot and the cylinder for facilitating insertion of the cylinder into a receptive sleeve.

Abstract: The modular, automatic idle down system is plugged in series between the 120 VAC output connector of a generator and the input plug of the load device. One prong of the load's input plug may be received directly in a load sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor. The self-contained modular unit is connectable to the mechanical or electronic governor of the generator's engine. The idling system provides two time delays which delay the idling down of the engine upon initial starting and when the load is removed from the generator. When the sensed load current falls below a threshold value, the idling system generates an output signal, after the predetermined time delays, to override the engine's mechanical or electronic governor. The speed-of the engine is thereby reduced from the governed speed to an idle speed.

Abstract: A catalytic converter is mounted at the exhaust gas outlet of a muffler for a two or four-cycle internal combustion engine of the type having one or two cylinders such as those used for lawn and garden equipment. The catalytic converter is located exteriorly of the muffler body in the path of the exhaust gases for oxidizing and/or reducing exhaust gas components subsequent to their discharge from the muffler. Secondary air supply is provided upstream of the catalyst within the converter by mounting the catalytic converter to provide a gap between the converter and the muffler body. Alternately, secondary air is provided by at least one opening formed in the converter upstream of the catalyst which communicates between the interior of the converter and atmosphere.

Abstract: A combination muffler and catalytic converter for an exhaust system of a small internal combustion engine. The catalytic converter is mounted within a chamber formed inside the muffler which functions not only to contain the catalytic converter but also to provide sound attenuation. The combination muffler/catalytic converter also includes an assembly for introducing secondary air into the interior of the muffler body containing the catalytic converter so that harmful uncombusted components such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrous oxides contained in the exhaust gases are further combusted prior to exiting the muffler. The secondary air supply assembly includes an opening formed in the muffler body which communicates between the interior of the muffler body and atmosphere, and a reed valve mounted directly on the muffler body adjacent this opening.

Abstract: A camshaft assembly for an internal combustion engine includes a rotatable camshaft and a cam lobe mounted on the camshaft for rotation therewith. The cam lobe includes first and second axial ends and an integral crowned cam profile formed in its periphery which includes a radially extending shoulder located between the first and second ends. The shoulder may be formed by a pair of axially extending parallel tapered surfaces in the cam profile. A method of molding the camshaft assembly includes the steps of providing a mold including a die component closable to define a mold cavity having a first portion in the shape of a camshaft and a second portion in the shape of cam lobe which includes a crowned cam profile, filling the mold cavity with a shrinkable fluid plastics material, waiting a predetermined period of time to permit the plastics material in the second portion of the mold cavity to harden and shrink, and moving the die component in an axial direction to open the mold.

Abstract: The self-aligning valve assembly facilitates proper seating of an engine exhaust valve even though the valve seat is distorted or tilted due to temperature gradients. The valve assembly includes a guide member having a flat surface that slides across a flat surface on the engine block. The guide assembly also includes a return spring and a spring retainer that engages a notch on the valve stem. The spring is disposed between the guide member and the spring retainer. To improve valve closing, the seating surface on the underside of the valve head is preferably convex, while the valve seat is conical. In operation, the compression spring forces proper seating to occur by acting on the retainer which is in turn connected to the valve stem. The guide member slides to reorient the valve stem to the proper position for optimal seating.

Abstract: The engine protection device affects the engine operation when a low oil level is sensed by releasing substantially all of the compression pressure in the combustion chamber to prevent engine starting, to stop a running engine, or to reduce engine speed. The engine protection device includes a paddle or float whose movement is responsive to the crankcase oil level, an arm connected to the paddle or float, and a pivotable, yoke-type mechanical compression release mechanism that pivots in response to the movement of the arm. The compression release yoke has a first cam member that engages a valve tappet surface. When a low oil level is sensed, the paddle or float pivots the arm and the first compression release member, causing the first cam member to engage the tappet surface to substantially open the intake or exhaust valve. The invention may include a second, easy start compression release member that partially releases the compression pressure to promote engine starting.

Abstract: A device for preventing the undesired rotation of a key and cylinder within a sleeve of an automobile steering column ignition assembly. The device prevents rotation of a key from an off position to a lock position, and the consequent locking of the steering wheel, unless an adjacent button is depressed. Rotation is prevented by interference of the button itself with an abutment formed in a flange projecting from a cap covering the outer end of the cylinder. The flange also retains the button in the assembly.

Abstract: A device for preventing the undesired rotation of a key and cylinder within a sleeve of an automobile steering column ignition assembly. The device prevents rotation of a key from an off position to a lock position, and the consequent locking of the steering wheel, unless an adjacent button is depressed. Rotation is prevented by the interference of a blocking element on the button itself with an end face of a flange projecting from a cap covering the outer end of the cylinder.

Abstract: The electronic governor has a fast response time by eliminating the return spring of prior art governors. Instead, a magnetic field generated either by permanent magnets or by a second actuator coil is used to oppose the force created by a first actuator coil. The current to the first actuator coil is pulse width modulated. If a second coil is used instead of permanent magnets, the current to the second coil may be either pulse width modulated or may be a constant DC signal. An actuator having a low inertia rotor and a stationary core is preferred to further reduce the response time.

Abstract: The engine balancing system preferably has two pivoting counterbalance weights connected to eccentric journals on the crankshaft via their respective link arms. The use of the two pivoting weights and the particular geometrical relationships between the balancing system components enable the balancing system to substantially mimic and oppose the non-sinusoidal piston forces. Several methods of balancing the non-sinusoidal piston forces are disclosed. In a first method, the centers of gravity of the respective counterbalance weights are moved at non-sinusoidal angular accelerations. These angular accelerations are greater when the piston is near its Top Dead Center position than when the piston is near its Bottom Dead Center position to yield higher balancing forces when the piston is near Top Dead Center.

Abstract: A connecting rod for connecting a reciprocating piston to a rotating crankshaft of an internal combustion engine includes an improved lubrication distribution system for conveying lubrication into its crankpin bearing. The lubrication is distributed by means of a pair of radial bores one of which extends through the cap of the crankpin bearing and the other of which extends through an arcuate-shaped crankpin bearing portion integrally formed at the end of the connecting rod. The bores are located diametrically opposite one another, and each bore includes an outlet opening into the crankpin bearing hole. The outlets are oval in cross-section and have chamfered sidewalls with an angle of between 30.degree. to 60.degree. with respect to the bore.

Abstract: A power takeoff adapter for extending a power shaft such as the crankshaft of an engine. The power takeoff adapter includes a male pin adapted to be received in a complementary female receptacle in the crankshaft, wherein torque applied during operation initially tightens the coupling between the adapter and the crankshaft.