Patents Assigned to Briggs & Stratton
  • Publication number: 20180334934
    Abstract: An engine assembly includes a small air-cooled engine and a dry sump lubrication system including an external oil reservoir, wherein the dry sump lubrication system has an overall oil capacity that provides at least five hundred hours of engine oil life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Applicant: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Adam J. Hellman, John Schneiker, Timothy Kwiatkowski, Casey Groh, Robert Price, Ryan Sullivan, Gary Johnson
  • Patent number: 10130962
    Abstract: A pressure washer includes a prime mover, a pump driven by the prime mover, and a spray gun fluidly coupled to the pump. The spray gun includes a flow-control valve movable between an open position and a closed position to control a fluid flow from the spray gun, a user interface for controlling the flow-control valve, a sensor configured to detect the state of the user interface, and a first wireless system electrically coupled to the sensor. In a first state of the user interface, the flow-control valve is in the closed position. In a second state of the user interface, the flow-control valve is in the open position. The pressure washer further includes a second wireless system electrically coupled to the prime mover. The second wireless system signals the prime mover to start to drive the pump to provide fluid to the spray gun upon receiving a start signal from the first wireless system indicating that the sensor detects the user interface in the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: John Dey, Brandon Palicki, James Radwill
  • Publication number: 20180331597
    Abstract: An electric powerhead includes a housing including a mounting plate including a shaft opening and a number of first openings arranged in a standard mini four-stroke engine mounting pattern, a base including a number of second openings arranged in a standard mini four-stroke engine support pattern, and an electric motor positioned within the housing, wherein the electric motor includes an output shaft that extends through the shaft opening of the mounting plate and wherein the output shaft is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Applicant: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventor: David Schulenberg
  • Publication number: 20180331512
    Abstract: A transfer switch and load controller that can be plugged into an existing utility meter socket and electrically positioned between the meter socket and a distribution panel to allow switching between utility power and standby power. The plug-in transfer switch functions to transfer the power supplied to a home between the utility power source and the generator power source upon loss of power from the utility power source. The transfer switch components are contained in an enclosed housing of a meter socket adapter that is mounted directly to the meter socket of a meter housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Applicant: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Miller, Gary Gracyalny, David A. Kratz, Richard Gilpatrick, Dean Weigand, Sie Teong Lim, Nicholas Demos
  • Publication number: 20180323680
    Abstract: A standby generator includes an engine including an output shaft, an alternator, and an enclosure including a base and a number of walls extending from the base including a front wall, a rear wall, a first wall, and a second wall. The standby generator includes an intake opening configured to allow air to be drawn into the enclosure and an exhaust opening configured to allow heated air and exhaust gases to be expelled from the enclosure. The intake opening is provided on the rear wall proximate the first wall and the exhaust opening is provided on the front wall proximate the second wall. The air drawn into the enclosure at the first intake opening directly flows over the engine and is expelled through the exhaust opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan D. Janscha, Robert G. Townsend, Troy D. Tesmer
  • Publication number: 20180317396
    Abstract: A handheld edger includes an electric powerhead coupled to a mounting location, a member, and a cutting assembly. The electric powerhead includes a motor having an output shaft rotating at a first speed about an output shaft axis and a battery configured to power the motor. The member extends from the mounting location and includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion configured to be removable and replaceable to exchange one or more attachments. The cutting assembly coupled to the member includes a drive shaft, a blade coupled to and driven by the drive shaft, and a worm drive coupled to the output shaft of the motor and the drive shaft, the worm drive configured to cause the drive shaft to rotate the blade at a second speed. A gear ratio of the worm drive is larger than 40:1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick H. Bukowski, Jeremiah John Guinta, Thomas Dean Morrell, Stephen J. Ryczek
  • Publication number: 20180313318
    Abstract: A system and method for enhancing spark generation in an ignition coil of an internal combustion engine at low rotational speeds of the flywheel. The method and system monitor the rotational speed of the flywheel and, when the rotational speed of the flywheel is below a threshold rotational speed, the system and method supplies voltage pulses to the primary winding. The timing of the voltage pulses supplied to the primary winding are triggered off of voltage transitions in pulses induced in the primary winding upon rotation of the flywheel. Once the internal combustion engine has started, the switching device transitions into a second condition to disconnect the electrical storage device from the primary winding. The spark generation system of the present disclosure allows for starting of an internal combustion engine upon slower initial rotational speeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Applicant: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert John Koenen, Jason A. Hansen, Andrew Paskov
  • Patent number: 10113281
    Abstract: An impeller assembly for a snowthrower includes a driven shaft configured to rotate about an axis, a flexible impeller configured to rotate about the axis and extending horizontally across substantially a complete width of the impeller assembly parallel to the axis, and a rigid cutting implement. The flexible impeller extends radially from the driven shaft to an impeller radial distance. The rigid cutting implement extends radially from the driven shaft to a cutting implement radial distance less than the impeller radial distance, wherein the rigid cutting implement is spaced apart from and does not contact the flexible impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. Gilpatrick, John E. Gulke, Peter Jerger, Christopher M. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20180298864
    Abstract: A starter motor that includes an integrated solid state switching device. The solid state switching device is mounted within the outer housing of the starter motor such that the entire starter motor can be installed as a single unit. In one embodiment, the solid state switching device includes a MOSFET positioned on the low side of the starter motor. The solid state switching device opens and closes to control the flow of current through the starter motor. In another embodiment, the solid state switching device is positioned on the high side of the starter motor. The solid state switching device can include a speed sensing circuit to prevent operation of the starter motor when the internal combustion engine is operation, a crank limiting circuit that limits the amount of time the starter motor can operate without starting the internal combustion engine and/or a thermal limiting circuit to prevent operation during overheating of the starter motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Applicant: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert John KOENEN, Jason Andrew HANSEN
  • Publication number: 20180298868
    Abstract: An electric starting system for an internal combustion engine is provided. The starting system includes a rechargeable battery, a battery receiver, and a starter motor. The rechargeable battery including a battery housing, internal circuitry housed within the battery housing, two voltage output terminals, and an enable terminal. The battery receiver includes a battery receptacle configured to receive the rechargeable battery, two voltage output terminals, and the enable terminal. The starter motor is configured to start the internal combustion engine. The internal circuitry is coupled to the enable terminal and configured to enable and disable an internal switch to provide power to one of the two voltage output terminals, the internal circuitry monitoring at least one internal condition of the rechargeable battery for a fault condition. The internal circuitry disables the internal switch upon detection of the fault condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Applicant: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Koenen, Matthew Markowski, Michael Meyer, James Nommensen
  • Patent number: 10093178
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a transaxle drive system for ride-on equipment. The transaxle drive system can include a frame supporting at least one power source and at least two subframes, the at least one power source including at least one drive pulley. The system can also include transaxle assemblies driven by at least a portion of at least one belt from the at least one drive pulley. The transaxle assemblies can include a first transaxle assembly supported by a subframe, the first transaxle assembly coupled to the at least one drive pulley with at least one belt, and a second transaxle assembly supported by another subframe, the second transaxle assembly coupled by at least one belt to the at least one drive pulley. The transaxle assemblies can be independently pivoted with respect to each other, the frame, and the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark J. Melone, James F. Marshall, Richard Smith, Mark Lynch, Travis Rasch, Erik Slegelis, Steven J. Weber, Denis Oswald
  • Patent number: 10091936
    Abstract: A standing ride on mower comprises a frame; a right drive wheel supporting the frame; a left drive wheel supporting the frame; a prime mover supported by the frame; a cutting deck assembly supported by the frame, the cutting deck assembly comprising a cutting deck at least one cutting blade mounted under the cutting deck and rotatable under influence of the prime mover; a right side integrated transaxle operating under influence of the prime mover to drive rotation of the right drive wheel, the right side integrated transaxle including a right side housing, a right hydraulic pump within the housing, and a right hydraulic motor within the housing; a left side integrated transaxle operating under the influence of the prime mover to drive rotation of the left drive wheel, the left side integrated transaxle including a left side housing, a left hydraulic pump within the housing, and a left hydraulic motor within the housing; and an operator platform to support a standing operator of the mower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert S. Laurin, E. Mark Lynch, Derrick R. Camenga
  • Patent number: 10093179
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a transaxle drive system for ride-on equipment with a plurality of transaxle assemblies supported by a suspended subframe, and a frame supported on a pair of front wheels at one end that is coupled to and pivotably suspends the subframe. Some embodiments include a power source with a drive pulley supported by the frame at an opposite end. Some embodiments include a belt coupling the drive pulley to a driven pulley of the transaxle assemblies. In some embodiments, the plurality of transaxle assemblies can be driven from the drive pulley by at least a portion of the belt. Further, in some embodiments, the plurality of transaxle assemblies include a first and second transaxle assembly each coupled to a separate rear wheel. The first and second transaxle assemblies are suspended from the subframe, and can be pivoted together about the frame, and the at least one drive pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark J. Melone, James F. Marshall, Richard Smith, Mark Lynch, Travis Rasch, Erik Slegelis, Steven J. Weber, Denis Oswald
  • Publication number: 20180281001
    Abstract: Systems and apparatuses include a prime mover, a pump driven by the prime mover, and a sprayer receiving a flow of water from the pump. The sprayer includes a sprayer housing, a first fluid reservoir coupled to the sprayer housing, a second fluid reservoir coupled to the sprayer housing, a chemical selector coupled to the sprayer housing and movable between a first chemical position and a second chemical position, a high pressure selector coupled to the sprayer housing and movable between a high pressure position and a chemical spray position, and a nozzle assembly in communication with the chemical selector and the high pressure selector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Applicant: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Tyler D. Masters, Craig Serio, Kyler Weid
  • Publication number: 20180283345
    Abstract: A system and method for enhancing spark generation in an ignition coil of an internal combustion engine at low rotational speeds of the flywheel. The method and system monitor the rotational speed of the flywheel and, when the rotational speed of the flywheel is below a threshold rotational speed, the system and method supplies voltage pulses to the primary winding. The timing of the voltage pulses supplied to the primary winding are triggered off of voltage transitions in pulses induced in the primary winding upon rotation of the flywheel. Once the internal combustion engine has started, the switching device transitions into a second condition to disconnect the electrical storage device from the primary winding. The spark generation system of the present disclosure allows for starting of an internal combustion engine upon slower rope pull starting or upon discharge of a starter battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Applicant: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert John Koenen, Jason A. Hansen, Andrew Paskov
  • Patent number: D831566
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: James Nommensen, Paul D. Kluck, Matthew Markowski, Robert Koenen, Dale S. Dilulio, Bart Mayer, Brian D. Neeley
  • Patent number: D833481
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventor: Carl T. Tiefenthaler
  • Patent number: D833485
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Meyer, Christy L. Matuszewski, Jim Nommensen
  • Patent number: D834269
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventor: Tyler D. Masters
  • Patent number: D834517
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Bruce Fritz, Ryan Thomas Hahn, Ryan Sylvester Jaskowiak, Kenny Stair, Mark David Willer