Patents by Inventor Patrick Bruener

Patrick Bruener 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: 6142257
    Abstract: An oil pickup tube includes a substantially straight portion, and a top and bottom portion interconnected with the straight portion. Each portion includes a cavity in fluid flow communication with the cavities of the other portions. Each cavity includes a substantially linear longitudinal axis. The cavities also include draft angles to allow the respective portions to be manufactured by injection molding, casting, or another suitable method. The top portion includes at least one recess adapted to receive a sealing member that creates a press-fit seal when the top portion is inserted into an oil gallery of an engine. Top and bottom flanges interconnected with the oil pickup tube facilitate securing the tube to the engine. A method for manufacturing the oil pickup tube includes the steps of defining the outer surface of the tube with a die, inserting two cores corresponding to the respective cavities of the top, straight, and bottom portions into the die, and delivering molten material into the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Briggs and Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Bruener, Glen Eifert
  • Patent number: 6105548
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for an assembly including an internal combustion engine and a transmission includes an elongated member having a first portion interconnected with the engine housing of the engine adjacent the cylinders and above the crankcase of the engine. The elongated member also includes a second portion mounted on a bell housing or crankcase cover portion of the engine housing. The elongated member may include an overhang portion extending over an engine fan. The elongated member may be disposed between a first and a second cylinder of the engine. The elongated portion may also include lifting portions defining apertures for facilitating raising and lowering the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert B. Carlson, Patrick Bruener, Glen Eifert, William W. Doolittle
  • Patent number: 5894715
    Abstract: The power head assembly for a cordless electric lawnmower has a removable upper housing that includes two spaced batteries, and a lower housing that is mounted to the deck of the grass cutting device. The upper housing has a handle, and at least one quick disconnect terminal that engages a mating quick disconnect terminal affixed to the lower housing. The lower housing includes an electric motor that is disposed between the two batteries when the upper housing is in place. A portion of the electric motor is located below the deck to further reduce the overall height of the device. The lower housing is mounted to the deck by several bolts which are placed in the same mounting pattern used to mount gasoline engines to a deck, so that the same decks may be used for both the cordless electric and gasoline-powered lawnmowers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Braun, Patrick Bruener, Gary S. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5819513
    Abstract: The power head assembly for a cordless electric lawnmower has a removable upper housing that includes two spaced batteries, and a lower housing that is mounted to the deck of the grass cutting device. The upper housing has a handle, and at least one quick disconnect terminal that engages a mating quick disconnect terminal affixed to the lower housing. The lower housing includes an electric motor that is disposed between the two batteries when the upper housing is in place. A portion of the electric motor is located below the deck to further reduce the overall height of the device. The lower housing is mounted to the deck by several bolts which are placed in the same mounting pattern used to mount gasoline engines to a deck, so that the same decks may be used for both the cordless electric and gasoline-powered lawnmowers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Braun, Patrick Bruener, Gary S. Johnson
  • Patent number: D375963
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Braun, Patrick Bruener, Eric Fickas, Eileen Scharenbroch, Kipp Stevens