Patents Assigned to Briggs & Stratton Corporation
  • Engine with an automatic choke and method of operating an automatic choke for an engine
    Patent number: 8434445
    Abstract: An engine including an automatic choke that includes a choke valve movable between a fully closed position and a fully open position, a temperature sensor coupled to the engine and operable to provide a temperature signal indicative of a temperature of the engine, and a motor connected to the choke valve and operable to move the choke valve in response to a motor control signal. A controller is electrically connected to the motor and to the temperature sensor. The controller includes an electronic circuit having a memory. A table includes engine specific choke position data stored in memory, wherein the controller determines a choke initial position based on the temperature of the engine and the choke position data, and wherein the motor moves the choke valve toward that position in response to an attempt to start the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Hisaya Iwata, Robert Koenen, Andrew Perez
  • VAPOR RELIEF SYSTEM FOR FUEL INJECTOR
    Publication number: 20130104849
    Abstract: A fuel injection system includes a fuel tank configured to contain fuel, an injector fluidly connected to the fuel tank by a flow path, a pump disposed along the flow path and configured to deliver fuel to the injector, and a vapor relief passage in fluid communication with the flow path and the fuel tank. The vapor relief passage is fluidly connected to the flow path at an opening and allows vaporized fuel to return to the fuel tank from the flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventor: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
  • METHOD FOR MONITORING AND CONTROLLING ENGINE SPEED
    Publication number: 20130106118
    Abstract: A generator having an electronic governor for controlling the speed of an engine to generate an output voltage from an alternator is disclosed. The generator includes an alternator coupled to an engine to generate an output voltage. The variable speed of the engine allows the alternator to generate a variable output voltage. An electronic governor monitors a time period between voltage benchmarks on the output voltage. The electronic governor compares the monitored time period to a reference time period and adjusts the position of the throttle based upon the comparison between the monitored time period and the reference time period. The reference time period is set based upon the desired output voltage frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
  • IGNITION SYSTEM FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
    Publication number: 20130104845
    Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine that utilizes a single primary coil and a single secondary coil to drive a pair of spark plugs. Current flowing in both a first direction and a second direction passes through the primary coil. The current flowing through the primary coil induces corresponding current in the secondary coil, which flows from the secondary coil to one of two spark plugs. Each spark plug is coupled to the secondary coil such that each of the two spark plugs receives current flowing only in a single direction. The current flowing through the ignition system can be from either a power source or created by the rotation of a flywheel having a series of magnet clusters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert J. Koenen, Andrew Paskov
  • CARBURETOR INCLUDING ONE-PIECE FUEL-METERING INSERT
    Publication number: 20130099399
    Abstract: A carburetor includes a body having an inner wall and an air/fuel passageway. An insert includes a base having a shape that closely matches the inner wall and a first tower having a first end disposed within the air/fuel passageway. A main circuit passageway is at least partially formed within the first tower and has a first end in fluid communication with the air/fuel passageway and a second end in fluid communication with the fuel bowl chamber. The main circuit passageway carries fuel from the fuel bowl chamber to the air/fuel passageway during engine operation when the throttle valve is opened. A second tower has a first end coupled to the base and a second end spaced away from the base. The first end of the first tower, the second end of the second tower, and the base are the sole engagement points between the insert and the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION
    Inventor: BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION
  • Engine blower scroll
    Patent number: 8424498
    Abstract: A blower system for an engine includes a base of a blower scroll coupled to an engine crankcase. The base has a bottom wall with an opening sized to accommodate an end of a crankshaft. The base also has a sidewall extending away from the crankcase. The blower system further includes a blower housing fastened to the base, without the use of threaded fasteners. Together the blower housing and the base form a chamber having an inlet and an outlet. Also, the blower system includes a fan within the chamber. The fan is driven by the crankshaft and is designed to direct a flow of air through the outlet of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Carl T. Tiefenthaler, Benjamin R. Miller, Chad J. Gartzke, John R. Schneiker, Greg Hupfer, David W. Branski
  • Active load management system
    Patent number: 8415830
    Abstract: A method and system for managing loads powered by a standby generator. The method includes utilizing a transfer switch control unit to selectively shed loads each associated with one of a series of priority circuits. The loads are shed in a sequential order based upon the priority circuit to which the load is applied. Once a required load has been shed, the control unit determines whether any of the lower priority loads can be reconnected to the generator without exceeding the rating of the generator while one of the higher priority circuits remains open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Sie Teong Lim, Brandon M. Batzler, Kenny J. Stair
  • Muffler attachment system
    Patent number: 8413760
    Abstract: A muffler for an internal combustion engine includes a first shell includes a flexible portion, an intake conduit, and a second shell coupled to the first shell. The intake conduit extends outwardly from the first shell and is configured to be inserted into an exhaust port of an engine. The flexible portion surrounds the intake conduit. Upon attachment to the engine, compression force is stored via elastic deflection of the flexible portion of the first shell, thereby pressing the intake conduit into the exhaust port such that a seal is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Drew, John R. Schneiker
  • Ignition and fuel shutoff for engine
    Patent number: 8408183
    Abstract: A carburetor assembly includes a carburetor, a fuel supply valve, a valve member and a normally open switch. The fuel supply valve is coupled to the carburetor housing and is fluidly connected to the carburetor. The fuel supply valve includes a lever pivotable between first and second positions. The valve member is configured to move in response to the lever such that fuel is allowed to flow to the carburetor when the lever is in the first position and fuel is not allowed to flow to the carburetor when the lever is in the second position. The normally open switch is adjacent the fuel supply valve and includes a switch actuator. The lever is configured to engage and release the switch actuator to move the switch actuator between a non-actuated position and an actuated position respectively when the lever moves between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Johnson
  • Fuel tank cap for a fuel tank
    Patent number: 8408415
    Abstract: A fuel tank cap includes a housing having a side wall, a bottom wall, and a receptacle, a fuel vapor adsorption material positioned within the receptacle, an inlet at least partially defined by the bottom wall and configured to provide fluid communication with a fuel tank vapor space, an outlet at least partially defined by the bottom wall and configured to provide fluid communication with the atmosphere, an internal wall extending from the bottom wall at least partially into the receptacle, and an aperture at least partially defined by the internal wall and configured to permit fuel vapor to flow in a vapor flow path from one side of the internal wall to the other side of the internal wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Jacob Schmalz, John Gulke, Peter D. Shears
  • Dynamic load shedding system for a standby generator
    Patent number: 8410633
    Abstract: A method and system for managing electrical loads on a standby generator. The method includes utilizing a transfer switch control to selectively shed loads each associated with one of a series of priority circuits. Priority values are initially assigned to each of the electric loads based upon the initial hard-wired connection of the electric loads to a main breaker panel during set up. The control unit of a transfer switch allows the user to reassign priority values to each of the electric loads based upon a user preference. The control unit includes one or more predefined priority assignment programs that can be selected to modify the priority values assigned to the electric loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Brandon M. Batzler, Kenny J. Stair, Sie Teong Lim
  • Pressure washer pump and engine system
    Patent number: 8408882
    Abstract: A pressure washer system includes an internal combustion engine and a water pump. The internal combustion engine includes an engine block forming a chamber and a cover for the chamber. The cover has an area designed to hold a lubricant. Additionally, the engine includes a crankshaft within the chamber. The water pump includes a pumping mechanism, an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid passage. The pumping mechanism is powered by the crankshaft. Water enters the pump through the inlet and exits the pump through the outlet. The fluid passage extends between the inlet and the outlet. A portion of the fluid passage is formed in the cover of the engine. Heat transfers from the lubricant of the engine to the water of the water pump during operation of the pressure washer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel L. Klika, David A. Kratz
  • PULLEY SYSTEM FOR OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT
    Publication number: 20130079182
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pulley system includes spin-forming metal to form an annular wall of a sheave, pressing powdered metal to form a hub of the sheave, and fastening together the annular wall and the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventor: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
  • Automatic engine speed adjustment
    Patent number: 8403102
    Abstract: An apparatus and method move a speed control lever of an engine automatically in response to movement of a manual actuator to engage a driven member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventor: Jason J. Raasch
  • Snow thrower impeller
    Patent number: 8402680
    Abstract: A snow thrower impeller includes a layer of material comprising a blade support wall and blades extending from the blade support wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel L. Steinike, James W. Mast, Samuel J. Gerrits
  • TRANSFER SWITCH WITH NEUTRAL DISCONNECT
    Publication number: 20130070394
    Abstract: A transfer switch panel including a bonded neutral connection to ground that allows the connection and disconnection of the utility neutral and an auxiliary power source neutral in one switching movement. The transfer switch panel includes a transfer switch connected to both a utility power source and an auxiliary power source. The transfer switch connects either the utility power source or the auxiliary power source to a pair of hot buses and a neutral bus contained within the transfer switch panel. The neutral bus includes a bonded connection to ground such that the neutral line of either the utility power source or the auxiliary power source is connected to ground when providing power to loads connected to a load center panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brandon Michael Batzler, Sie Teong Lim
  • Hinged beam retainer
    Patent number: 8398097
    Abstract: A retainer extends across first and second overlapping hinged beams to retain the hinged beams against pivotal movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Junk, Ryan S. Jaskowiak
  • Mower suspension system and method
    Patent number: 8397367
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides a mower including a frame having a front portion and a rear portion, at least one front wheel coupled to the front portion of the frame, and two drive wheels on substantially opposite sides of the rear portion of the frame. Each drive wheel is coupled to the frame by a first link pivotably coupled at one end to the front portion of the frame and at an opposite end to the drive wheel, and a second link pivotably coupled at one end to the rear portion of the frame and at an opposite end to the drive wheel. The mower also includes at least one spring positioned to bias the drive wheels in a downward direction. Each of the drive wheels are movable upward and downward relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Briggs and Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Mark J. Melone, William Decker, Brian Crossway, James Marshall, Frank Marshall
  • Fuel tank assembly and baffle device
    Patent number: 8375988
    Abstract: A baffle device, configured to be disposed near an outlet of a fuel tank, includes a fitting having an aperture therethrough and a first baffle. The first baffle includes a passageway in fluid communication with the aperture and a first baffle aperture configured to permit entry of fuel vapor into the passageway and exit of fuel vapor from the passageway. The baffle device also includes a second baffle overlying at least a portion of the first baffle aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventor: Peter D. Shears
  • Air cleaner
    Patent number: D679289
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventor: Carl T. Tiefenthaler