Patents by Inventor Richard W. Shoemaker

Richard W. Shoemaker 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).

  • Vertical shaft internal combustion engine with overhead power take-off
    Patent number: 6644264
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a crankcase and a crankshaft mounted vertically in the crankcase. The crankshaft has an end that extends outwardly from the bottom of the crankcase for attachment to a primary implement, such as a lawnmower blade, that is to be driven by the engine. Another end of the crankshaft extends outwardly from the top of the crankcase and has a coupling to engage an accessory device. The accessory device may be permanently or removably attached to the engine. Preferably, a cover extends over the top of the crankcase and has an exterior surface from which a well extends toward the crankcase. The coupling projects into the well, but does not extend outwardly beyond the exterior surface of the cover so that the well thereby shields the rotating coupling from inadvertent contact by the user of the equipment on which the engine is mounted. A cap also may close the well when an accessory device is not connected to the coupling to further safeguard against inadvertent contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Richard W. Shoemaker
  • Vertical shaft internal combustion engine with overhead power take-off
    Publication number: 20030075139
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a crankcase and a crankshaft mounted vertically in the crankcase. The crankshaft has an end that extends outwardly from the bottom of the crankcase for attachment to a primary implement, such as a lawnmower blade, that is to be driven by the engine. Another end of the crankshaft extends outwardly from the top of the crankcase and has a coupling to engage an accessory device. The accessory device may be permanently or removably attached to the engine. Preferably, a cover extends over the top of the crankcase and has an exterior surface from which a well extends toward the crankcase. The coupling projects into the well, but does not extend outwardly beyond the exterior surface of the cover so that the well thereby shields the rotating coupling from inadvertent contact by the user of the equipment on which the engine is mounted. A cap also may close the well when an accessory device is not connected to the coupling to further safeguard against inadvertent contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Richard W. Shoemaker