Patents by Inventor Eric Hudak

Eric Hudak has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8925298
    Abstract: A variety of embodiments of exhaust systems for engines including small off-road engines, and related methods of operation, are disclosed. In at least some embodiments, the exhaust system includes a first conduit that receives exhaust emissions from a first engine cylinder, and a second conduit that communicates air to a first port on the first conduit. The air mixes with the exhaust emissions within the first conduit so as to produce a chemical reaction, and a level of at least one undesirable component of the exhaust emissions is reduced. Further, the exhaust system does not include any catalytic converter. In some embodiments, the exhaust system further comprises a crankcase ventilation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Eric Pekrul, Eric Hudak
  • Patent number: 8925297
    Abstract: A variety of embodiments of exhaust systems for engines including small off-road engines, and related methods of operation, are disclosed. In at least some embodiments, the exhaust system includes a first conduit that receives exhaust emissions from a first engine cylinder, and a second conduit that communicates air to a first port on the first conduit. The air mixes with the exhaust emissions within the first conduit so as to produce a chemical reaction, and a level of at least one undesirable component of the exhaust emissions is reduced. Further, the exhaust system does not include any catalytic converter. In some embodiments, the exhaust system further comprises a crankcase ventilation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Eric Pekrul, Eric Hudak
  • Publication number: 20130232955
    Abstract: A variety of embodiments of exhaust systems for engines including small off-road engines, and related methods of operation, are disclosed. In at least some embodiments, the exhaust system includes a first conduit that receives exhaust emissions from a first engine cylinder, and a second conduit that communicates air to a first port on the first conduit. The air mixes with the exhaust emissions within the first conduit so as to produce a chemical reaction, and a level of at least one undesirable component of the exhaust emissions is reduced. Further, the exhaust system does not include any catalytic converter. In some embodiments, the exhaust system further comprises a crankcase ventilation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Eric Pekrul, Eric Hudak
  • Patent number: 8429896
    Abstract: A variety of embodiments of exhaust systems for engines including small off-road engines, and related methods of operation, are disclosed. In at least some embodiments, the exhaust system includes a first conduit that receives exhaust emissions from a first engine cylinder, and a second conduit that communicates air to a first port on the first conduit. The air mixes with the exhaust emissions within the first conduit so as to produce a chemical reaction, and a level of at least one undesirable component of the exhaust emissions is reduced. Further, the exhaust system does not include any catalytic converter. In some embodiments, the exhaust system further comprises a crankcase ventilation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Eric Pekrul, Eric Hudak
  • Publication number: 20120042630
    Abstract: A variety of embodiments of exhaust systems for engines including small off-road engines, and related methods of operation, are disclosed. In at least some embodiments, the exhaust system includes a first conduit that receives exhaust emissions from a first engine cylinder, and a second conduit that communicates air to a first port on the first conduit. The air mixes with the exhaust emissions within the first conduit so as to produce a chemical reaction, and a level of at least one undesirable component of the exhaust emissions is reduced. Further, the exhaust system does not include any catalytic converter. In some embodiments, the exhaust system further comprises a crankcase ventilation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Eric Pekrul, Eric Hudak
  • Publication number: 20070240404
    Abstract: A variety of embodiments of exhaust systems for engines including small off-road engines, and related methods of operation, are disclosed. In at least some embodiments, the exhaust system includes a first conduit that receives exhaust emissions from a first engine cylinder, and a second conduit that communicates air to a first port on the first conduit. The air mixes with the exhaust emissions within the first conduit so as to produce a chemical reaction, and a level of at least one undesirable component of the exhaust emissions is reduced. Further, the exhaust system does not include any catalytic converter. In some embodiments, the exhaust system further comprises a crankcase ventilation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Inventors: Eric Pekrul, Eric Hudak
  • Patent number: 7077089
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine having an oil drainback passage and integral check valve. The oil drainback passage allows the flow of oil from the valve box to the crankcase of the engine during normal operation and prevents the backwards flow of oil from the crankcase to the valve box when high pressures exist in the crankcase or if the engine is operated at elevated angles. The oil drainback passage is formed by a bore through a cylinder wall of the crankcase and a bore through the cylinder head. The check valve includes a cavity within the cylinder wall of the crankcase, located at the end of the bore in the cylinder wall where it meets the bore in the cylinder head, and a check ball disposed within the cavity. During normal operation, the check ball floats within the cavity and allows the flow of oil through the oil drainback passage back to the crankcase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Kohler Company
    Inventor: Eric Hudak
  • Publication number: 20050034697
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine having an oil drainback passage and integral check valve. The oil drainback passage allows the flow of oil from the valve box to the crankcase of the engine during normal operation and prevents the backwards flow of oil from the crankcase to the valve box when high pressures exist in the crankcase or if the engine is operated at elevated angles. The oil drainback passage is formed by a bore through a cylinder wall of the crankcase and a bore through the cylinder head. The check valve includes a cavity within the cylinder wall of the crankcase, located at the end of the bore in the cylinder wall where it meets the bore in the cylinder head, and a check ball disposed within the cavity. During normal operation, the check ball floats within the cavity and allows the flow of oil through the oil drainback passage back to the crankcase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventor: Eric Hudak
  • Patent number: D784413
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Thorn, Ted Wehrman, Nicholas D. Conger, Eric Hudak, Shawn Bozarth, Michelle Aiello, Michael E. Smies, Ken Hanna
  • Patent number: D787558
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Thorn, Ted Wehrman, Nicholas D. Conger, Eric Hudak, Shawn Bozarth, Michelle Aiello, Michael E. Smies, Ken Hanna