Patents by Inventor Gary L. Stenz

Gary L. Stenz 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: 9074535
    Abstract: Engine control assemblies for use with internal combustion engines, engines having such assemblies, and methods for operating such engines and assemblies are disclosed. In one example embodiment of an engine control assembly encompassed herein, the assembly includes a lever structure configured to rotate to any of a plurality of positions ranging from a first position to a second position. The assembly also includes at least one linking structure configured to allow rotational movement of the lever structure to influence at least indirectly an engine choking operation, where the at least one linking structure including a rod that includes a bend portion along its length, and the lever structure includes a formation with an orifice through which the rod extends. The rod and formation are configured so that at least some other rotational movement of the lever structure does not cause any corresponding movement of the choke actuation input structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Mark J. Huibregtse, Gary L. Stenz, Eric C. Simon
  • Publication number: 20150176503
    Abstract: Engine control assemblies for use with internal combustion engines, engines having such assemblies, and methods for operating such engines and assemblies are disclosed. In one example embodiment of an engine control assembly encompassed herein, the assembly includes a lever structure configured to rotate to any of a plurality of positions ranging from a first position to a second position. The assembly also includes at least one linking structure configured to allow rotational movement of the lever structure to influence at least indirectly an engine choking operation, where the at least one linking structure including a rod that includes a bend portion along its length, and the lever structure includes a formation with an orifice through which the rod extends. The rod and formation are configured so that at least some other rotational movement of the lever structure does not cause any corresponding movement of the choke actuation input structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Applicant: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Mark J. Huibregtse, Gary L. Stenz, Eric C. Simon
  • Patent number: 7757674
    Abstract: A V-twin engine having a crankcase and a pair of cylinders defining a V-space therebetween, wherein the V-space is substantially enclosed, and a carburetor is positioned within the V-space. An intake air preheating arrangement supplies heated intake air to the carburetor, and a carburetor heating arrangement heats the V-space and the carburetor which is positioned within the V-space. Each of the foregoing arrangements, used separately or in combination within one another, aids in preventing “freeze-up” of the carburetor during running of the engine in a cold environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Certified Parts Corporation
    Inventors: Russell J. Dopke, David R. Brower, Scot A. Koehler, Gary L. Stenz, Clyde R. Wetor, Steven T. Davis, Randall E. Sterr
  • Patent number: 7475657
    Abstract: A V-twin engine having a crankcase and a pair of cylinders defining a V-space therebetween, wherein the V-space is substantially enclosed, and a carburetor is positioned within the V-space. An intake air preheating arrangement supplies heated intake air to the carburetor, and a carburetor heating arrangement heats the V-space and the carburetor which is positioned within the V-space. Each of the foregoing arrangements, used separately or in combination within one another, aids in preventing “freeze-up” of the carburetor during running of the engine in a cold environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Tecumseh Power Company
    Inventors: Russell J. Dopke, David R. Brower, Scot A. Koehler, Gary L. Stenz, Clyde R. Wetor, Steven T. Davis, Randall E. Sterr
  • Publication number: 20080296790
    Abstract: A V-twin engine having a crankcase and a pair of cylinders defining a V-space therebetween, wherein the V-space is substantially enclosed, and a carburetor is positioned within the V-space. An intake air preheating arrangement supplies heated intake air to the carburetor, and a carburetor heating arrangement heats the V-space and the carburetor which is positioned within the V-space. Each of the foregoing arrangements, used separately or in combination within one another, aids in preventing “freeze-up” of the carburetor during running of the engine in a cold environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: TECUMSEH PRODUCTS COMPANY
    Inventors: Russell J. Dopke, David R. Brower, Scot A. Koehler, Gary L. Stenz, Clyde R. Wetor, Steven T. Davis, Randall E. Sterr
  • Patent number: 7284508
    Abstract: A V-twin engine having a crankcase and a pair of cylinders defining a V-space therebetween, wherein the V-space is substantially enclosed, and a carburetor is positioned within the V-space. An intake air preheating arrangement supplies heated intake air to the carburetor, and a carburetor heating arrangement heats the V-space and the carburetor which is positioned within the V-space. Each of the foregoing arrangements, used separately or in combination within one another, aids in preventing “freeze-up” of the carburetor during running of the engine in a cold environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventors: Russell J. Dopke, David R. Brower, Scot A. Koehler, Gary L. Stenz, Clyde R. Wetor, Steven T. Davis, Randall E. Sterr
  • Patent number: 7152580
    Abstract: A secondary engine speed control mechanism for small internal combustion engines, including an operator control which is manually operable to override an engine running speed which is set by the engine's primary speed control mechanism and governed by the governor. The secondary speed control mechanism may be selectively actuated by the operator in anticipation of an increased engine load to provide a temporary increase or “boost” to engine speed above the set, governed engine running speed. The secondary speed control mechanism may be either mechanically or electrically actuated, and may include an operator actuated, trigger-type mechanism or an electrical switch located on the handle of an implement with which the engine is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventors: Clyde R. Wetor, Thomas D. Stout, Gary L. Stenz, Daniel L. Schneider
  • Patent number: 6513794
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine including a cylinder, a crankshaft, a reciprocating piston disposed in the cylinder and operably coupled to the crankshaft, and a carburetor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey L Clements, Gary L Stenz
  • Publication number: 20020185754
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine including a cylinder, a crankshaft, a reciprocating piston disposed in the cylinder and operably coupled to said crankshaft, and a carburetor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lynn Clements, Gary L. Stenz
  • Publication number: 20020125586
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine including a cylinder, a crankshaft, a reciprocating piston disposed in the cylinder and operably coupled to said crankshaft, and a carburetor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lynn Clements, Gary L. Stenz