Patents by Inventor Randall E. Sterr

Randall E. Sterr 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: 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: 6729298
    Abstract: A linkage assembly for a vehicle having a vehicle body and an engine mounted thereto. The linkage assembly is operably disposed between a user-operable speed control input mechanism, e.g., a foot-operated accelerator, and the engine. The linkage assembly includes first and second linkage bodies and sets the idle and maximum speed of the engine without restricting the range of movement of the input mechanism. The linkage assembly may also include two adjustable stop mechanisms for limiting the travel of one of the linkage bodies and thereby providing for the independent adjustment of the idle and maximum engine speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventor: Randall E. Sterr
  • Publication number: 20040079328
    Abstract: A linkage assembly for a vehicle having a vehicle body and an engine mounted thereto. The linkage assembly is operably disposed between a user-operable speed control input mechanism, e.g., a foot-operated accelerator, and the engine. The linkage assembly includes first and second linkage bodies and sets the idle and maximum speed of the engine without restricting the range of movement of the input mechanism. The linkage assembly may also include two adjustable stop mechanisms for limiting the travel of one of the linkage bodies and thereby providing for the independent adjustment of the idle and maximum engine speeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Randall E. Sterr
  • Patent number: 6269786
    Abstract: A compression release mechanism for use in a single or multi-cylinder engine to make the engine easier to hand start. The assembly includes a compression release shaft disposed substantially within the camshaft. The compression release shaft is formed in at least two segments and can therefore be formed accurately, repeatedly and cost effectively using powder metal technology. Consequently, the weight of the flyweight member that is attached to the compression release shaft can be accurately controlled, thereby allowing the compression release mechanism to disengage at a precisely known rotational velocity of the camshaft. The compression release shaft may engage one or more valve actuation devices, which in turn force exhaust valves open during starting engine speeds. The compression release mechanism is conveniently contained within the housing by a housing wall bearing against the flyweight member and a cam bearing against an end of the compression release shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventors: Dale D. Snyder, Scot A. Koehler, Randall E. Sterr, William M. Miller