Patents by Inventor Kevin D. Steffes

Kevin D. Steffes 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: 7165532
    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 include an operator actuated, trigger-type mechanism located on the handle of an implement with which the engine is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventors: Kevin D. Steffes, Timothy D. Taylor, Daniel L. Schneider
  • Patent number: 6953527
    Abstract: A fuel tank for use with small internal combustion engines, the fuel tank having an inlet and an outlet and storing a quantity of fuel therein. A hydrophobic barrier is positioned within the fuel tank in flow communication with the outlet, and permits the passage of fuel therethrough while preventing the passage of water therethrough. In this manner, water is prevented from entering the intake system of the engine. The hydrophobic barrier may be positioned at an inclined angle proximate the fuel outlet, such that water droplets within the fuel are deflected downwardly toward the lower portion of the fuel tank. The fuel tank includes a lower wall with a depressed area defining a water trap in which water may collect, the water trap spaced laterally away from the fuel outlet and the fuel inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventors: David R. Brower, Kevin D. Steffes
  • Publication number: 20040159602
    Abstract: A fuel tank for use with small internal combustion engines, the fuel tank having an inlet and an outlet and storing a quantity of fuel therein. A hydrophobic barrier is positioned within the fuel tank in flow communication with the outlet, and permits the passage of fuel therethrough while preventing the passage of water therethrough. In this manner, water is prevented from entering the intake system of the engine. The hydrophobic barrier may be positioned at an inclined angle proximate the fuel outlet, such that water droplets within the fuel are deflected downwardly toward the lower portion of the fuel tank. The fuel tank includes a lower wall with a depressed area defining a water trap in which water may collect, the water trap spaced laterally away from the fuel outlet and the fuel inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: David R. Brower, Kevin D. Steffes
  • Patent number: 6745754
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine having an engine housing containing an oil sump in communication with an oil fill conduit, and a fuel pump including a pump assembly having at least a portion thereof formed integrally with the oil fill conduit and in fluid communication therewith. The fuel pump is actuated by pressure pulses created within the engine crankcase when the engine is running, which are communicated to the fuel pump through the oil fill conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventors: Dennis N. Stenz, Allen A. Schmitz, Kevin D. Steffes, Scott J. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20040094554
    Abstract: A vented fuel tank cap for closing the filler neck portion of a fuel tank for a small gasoline powered implement. The fuel tank cap assembly includes a cap member having threads for removably attaching the cap assembly to the fuel tank filler neck. The cap member also includes a post depending from an interior of the cap member. The cap assembly further including a gasket having an annular rim surrounding a dome portion and an opening. The opening of the gasket is disposed on the post and retained by a rib protruding externally from the post. The gasket dome portion is deformed by the rib so that the annular rim is held in contact with the interior surface of the cap member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Anthony F. Grybush, Kevin D. Steffes
  • Publication number: 20040079343
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine having an engine housing containing an oil sump in communication with an oil fill conduit, and a fuel pump including a pump assembly having at least a portion thereof formed integrally with the oil fill conduit and in fluid communication therewith. The fuel pump is actuated by pressure pulses created within the engine crankcase when the engine is running, which are communicated to the fuel pump through the oil fill conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Dennis N. Stenz, Allen A. Schmitz, Kevin D. Steffes, Scott J. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20030234254
    Abstract: A vented fuel tank cap for closing the filler neck portion of a fuel tank for a small gasoline powered implement. The fuel tank cap assembly includes a cap member having threads for removably attaching the cap assembly to the fuel tank filler neck. The cap member also includes a post depending from an interior of the cap member. The cap assembly further including a gasket having an annular rim surrounding a dome portion and an opening. The opening of the gasket is disposed on the post and retained by a rib protruding externally from the post. The gasket dome portion is deformed by the rib so that the annular rim is held in contact with the interior surface of the cap member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Anthony F. Grybush, Kevin D. Steffes