Patents Assigned to Briggs & Stratton, LLC
  • Publication number: 20240083524
    Abstract: Outdoor power equipment includes a frame including a handle, a prime mover mounted to the frame, a transmission coupling the prime mover to a wheel, and a user interface coupled to the transmission and including a static link rigidly coupled to the handle, a forward link coupled to a forward lever and to the static link, a reverse link coupled to a reverse lever and to the static link, and a joining link coupled between the forward link and the reverse link. The user interface is actuatable between a forward configuration and a reverse configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Applicant: Briggs & Stratton LLC
    Inventors: Robert Laurin, Derrick Camenga, James Marshall, Joe Ferris, Tom Burkard
  • Publication number: 20240081163
    Abstract: A method of stacking dethatchers includes pivoting an upper portion of a handle on a first dethatcher toward a front end of a frame on the first dethatcher, upon pivoting the upper portion of the handle toward the front end of the frame, exposing a rear support point defined by a lower portion of the handle, and stacking a second dethatcher on the first dethatcher so that the second dethatcher is supported on the rear support point defined by the lower portion of the handle and a front support point defined by the upper portion of the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Applicant: Briggs & Stratton, LLC
    Inventors: Kyle Harvey, Ryan Jaskowiak, Matthew S. Zurawski
  • Publication number: 20240077053
    Abstract: A battery pack is configured to be coupled to outdoor power equipment and includes a battery positioned in a housing, the housing comprising an interface surface, a plurality of high current pins electrically connected to the battery and accessible through the interface surface, a plurality of low current pins electrically connected to the battery and accessible through the interface surface, and a battery controller electrically coupled to the battery, the plurality of low current pins, and the plurality of high current pins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Applicant: BRIGGS & STRATTON, LLC
    Inventors: Kyle Michael HARVEY, Bryan Keith DANDRIDGE
  • Publication number: 20240079890
    Abstract: A battery charging system includes a charging rack comprising multiple receptacle, multiple battery assemblies. Each of the battery assemblies includes a housing having a handle, rechargeable battery cells disposed within the housing, and a mating feature protruding away from the housing, wherein the mating feature is configured to selectively connect the battery assembly with the receptacle of the charging rack and includes multiple ports electrically connected to the battery cells and configured receive power from the charging rack to charge the battery cells, and wherein the handle comprises a release button configured to selectively disengage the battery assembly from the receptacle of the charging rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Applicant: Briggs & Stratton, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Zeiler, Christopher Krajewski, Kyle Harvey, Ryan S. Jaskowiak, Nicholas Zeidler, Mark Noller, Todd Johnson
  • Publication number: 20240065148
    Abstract: A front independent suspension assembly for outdoor power equipment includes a first joint, a first wheel coupled to the joint, a first longitudinal arm pivotably coupled to the joint, a first lateral arm pivotably coupled to the joint, and a second lateral arm pivotably coupled to the joint. The second lateral suspension arranged substantially parallel to the first lateral suspension arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Applicant: Briggs & Stratton LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Krajewski, Robert S. Laurin, E. Mark Lynch
  • Patent number: 11913417
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an engine block, a crankshaft configured to rotate about a crankshaft axis, a flywheel coupled to the crankshaft and positioned above the engine block, an outer housing positioned above the engine block and the flywheel, and an electric starting system. The electric starting system includes an electric motor and an energy storage device positioned above the flywheel and below the outer housing. The energy storage device is electrically coupled to the electric motor to power the electric motor. When the electric starting system is configured to rotate the crankshaft to start the engine when the electric starting system is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton, LLC
    Inventors: David W. Procknow, Mark Meyer
  • Patent number: 11910745
    Abstract: A mower includes a pair of drive wheels, a pairs of non-drive wheels, and a mower deck. The mower deck includes a central deck housing, a first blade housing, a second blade housing, and an actuator coupled to the central deck housing and at least one of the first blade housing and the second blade housing. The first blade housing is pivotally coupled to a first side of the central deck housing so as to be angularly displaceable relative to the central deck housing, the second blade housing is pivotally coupled to a second side of the central deck housing so as to be angularly displaceable relative to the central deck housing. The actuator is configured to selectively raise and lower at least one of the first blade housing and the second blade housing relative to the central deck housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton, LLC
    Inventors: Robert S. Laurin, Mark J. Melone, E. Mark Lynch
  • Patent number: 11916242
    Abstract: A battery pack includes a cell module assembly, a primary power output, and a secondary output connector. The cell module assembly includes several lithium-ion battery cells connected in parallel. The primary power output includes a pair of terminals for connection to equipment to be powered by the battery pack. The secondary output connector includes a secondary power output for connection to equipment to be powered by the battery pack and includes an enable input. The primary power output is configured to supply electrical power at a voltage higher than the secondary power output connector. The secondary power output is controllable through the enable input to selectively supply electrical power from the secondary power output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Zeiler, Jacob Schmalz, Nicholas Ziedler
  • Patent number: 11913611
    Abstract: A hybrid light tower includes an engine, a permanent magnet generator configured to be driven by the engine, a battery pack including a plurality of lithium-ion battery cells, an extendible mast configured to move between a lowered position and a raised position, and a light assembly including a plurality of light emitting diodes. The generator is configured to produce a first DC power. The battery pack is directly electrically coupled to the generator to receive the first DC power from the generator to charge the battery pack. The light assembly is coupled to the mast and the light emitting diodes electrically coupled to the battery pack to receive a second DC power from the battery pack. The light tower does not include a battery charger connected to the battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Bryan Avery, Brian Brunelli, Dave Jones, Andrew Grasz, Cole Booth
  • Patent number: 11901794
    Abstract: A horizontal shaft electric powerhead includes an electric motor, a battery, a housing, and a base plate. The electric motor includes a horizontal output shaft configured to rotate about a horizontal axis of rotation and has a power rating of 2,500 or fewer watts. The battery includes a plurality of lithium-ion battery cells and is coupled to the electric motor. The housing has a standard cross-sectional footprint so that the electric powerhead has substantially the same volume as a comparable small internal combustion engine. The base plate is configured to be fastened to a mounting surface and includes a plurality of openings arranged in a standard horizontal shaft engine support pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton, LLC
    Inventor: David Schulenberg
  • Publication number: 20240042861
    Abstract: A trailer includes a storage space configured to store outdoor power equipment and a plurality of equipment battery packs, each being configured to power the outdoor power equipment, a hitch tongue, a plurality of wheels, and a plurality of receptacles each configured to receive a primary battery pack. The plurality of receptacles are electrically coupled to a wiring system configured to deliver electricity from the primary battery packs to the plurality of equipment battery packs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Applicant: BRIGGS & STRATTON, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Mergener, Bryce Metcalf, Nicholas Joseph Zeidler
  • Patent number: 11890944
    Abstract: A starter battery system for an air cooled engine rated at less than 50 horsepower. The system includes four lithium iron phosphate cells and a charging circuit configured to be powered by rotation of an air cooled engine. A voltage developed by the charging circuit is applied to the four lithium iron phosphate cells without battery management circuitry provided between the charging circuitry and the four lithium iron phosphate cells. An engine which includes at least one piston, a rotatable crankshaft coupled to the at least one piston, a starter motor configured to selectively initiate rotation of the crankshaft, a lithium-ion battery in electrical communication with the starter motor, the lithium-ion battery having at least one cell, and a charging system configured to be powered by motion of at least one component of the engine. The charging system is configured to continuously apply a voltage potential to the at least one cell while the engine is in a running condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Richard J. Gilpatrick
  • Patent number: 11889460
    Abstract: Systems and apparatuses include an endpoint structured to be coupled to an outdoor power equipment and including an operation sensor structured to provide operational information indicative of an operational status of the outdoor power equipment, and a transmitter structured to wirelessly transmit the operational information; and a gateway including a receiver structured to receive the operational information from the endpoint, and one or more processing circuits comprising one or more memory devices coupled to one or more processors, the one or more memory devices configured to store instructions thereon that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: associate the operational information with a timestamp, record a history of operational information and associated timestamps, and transmit the history to an external device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Bernier, Mario Divis, Peter Douglas Shears
  • Publication number: 20240011452
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an engine block, a piston, and a cylinder head. The engine block includes a cylinder block having a cylinder bore, a crankcase defining a crankcase chamber with a crankshaft positioned within the crankcase chamber, and a cylinder sleeve fabricated from a self-lubricating plastic material. The cylinder head is coupled to the cylinder block to form a combustion chamber. The piston includes a piston top adjacent the combustion chamber, a piston body including a wrist pin hole configured to receive a wrist pin, a first piston ring positioned on the piston body, and a non-metallic gasket positioned on the piston body closer to the combustion chamber than the first piston ring and structured to prevent combustion gases from escaping the combustion chamber. The crankcase chamber is oilless.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2023
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    Applicant: Briggs & Stratton, LLC
    Inventors: Jacob Zuehl, Richard Sebzda, Vernon Moss
  • Publication number: 20240011426
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to an internal combustion engine including an engine block having a first cylinder and a second cylinder, a crankshaft configured to rotate about a crankshaft axis, a flywheel coupled to the crankshaft, a throttle body, an air filter assembly, a first electric fan coupled to a first duct, and a second electric fan coupled to a second duct. The first duct is configured to direct cooling air directly over the first cylinder. The second duct is configured to direct cooling air directly over the second cylinder. The first cylinder is at least partially within the first duct. The second cylinder is at least partially within the second duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2023
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    Applicant: Briggs & Stratton, LLC
    Inventors: Jacob Zuehl, Michael Pitcel
  • Publication number: 20240007026
    Abstract: A controller module includes an enclosure including an inner wall defining a volume, a plurality of motor controllers, each motor controller comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, a plurality of transistors located on the first side, and a plurality of outputs located on the second side. The first side of the PCB is positioned adjacent to the inner wall of the enclosure to allow heat generated by the motor controller to dissipate via the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2023
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Applicant: Briggs & Stratton, LLC
    Inventors: David Schulenberg, Jacob Schmalz
  • Patent number: 11862945
    Abstract: A power management system for selectively providing power to one or more electrical loads using a standby generator includes a meter mounted transfer switch, a power management module, and a controller. The meter mounted transfer switch is configured to receive electrical power from a utility source. The power management module is configured to receive electrical power from each of the standby generator and the utility source. The controller is in communication with the standby generator and the power management module, and monitors a load on the standby generator and communicates to the power management module to selectively disconnect at least one of the one or more electrical loads based on the monitored load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Miller, Gary Gracyalny, David A. Kratz, Richard Gilpatrick, Dean Weigand, Sie Teong Lim, Nicholas Demos
  • Patent number: 11858489
    Abstract: A riding lawn mower includes a chassis having longitudinal support beam, a drive wheel, an electric motor coupled to the drive wheel, a suspended subframe having a longitudinal subframe beam pivotally coupled to the longitudinal support beam about a pivot axis, and a suspension device coupled between the longitudinal subframe beam and the longitudinal support beam. The longitudinal subframe beam at least partially supports the electric motor. The drive wheel and the electric motor are configured to translate relative to the chassis via the pivotal coupling between the longitudinal support beam and the longitudinal subframe beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton, LLC
    Inventors: Erik R. Slegelis, Travis Rasch
  • Patent number: 11859590
    Abstract: A battery pack for use in providing starting power for a starter motor of an internal combustion engine and to supply power to one or more auxiliary loads. The battery pack includes an outer housing that encloses a plurality of battery cells. The battery pack further includes a control module. The control module includes a processing circuit configured to control one or more functions associated with the internal combustion engine and an interface circuit configured to interface with the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Koenen
  • Patent number: 11832542
    Abstract: A dethatcher includes a frame having a front and a rear end, a handle coupled to the frame and movable between a use position and a storage position, multiple wheels coupled to the frame, a cutting reel housed in the frame, and an engine for powering a drive mechanism of the shaft. The cutting reel includes a shaft having a first end and a second end, at least one cutting mechanism located between the first end and the second end of the shaft, and the drive mechanism for powering the shaft. When the handle is in the use position, the handle extends away from the front end of the frame and when the handle is in the storage position the handle extends toward the front end of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton, LLC
    Inventors: Kyle Harvey, Ryan Jaskowiak, Matthew S. Zurawski