Patents by Inventor Stephen J. Ryczek

Stephen J. Ryczek 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).

  • Publication number: 20180317396
    Abstract: A handheld edger includes an electric powerhead coupled to a mounting location, a member, and a cutting assembly. The electric powerhead includes a motor having an output shaft rotating at a first speed about an output shaft axis and a battery configured to power the motor. The member extends from the mounting location and includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion configured to be removable and replaceable to exchange one or more attachments. The cutting assembly coupled to the member includes a drive shaft, a blade coupled to and driven by the drive shaft, and a worm drive coupled to the output shaft of the motor and the drive shaft, the worm drive configured to cause the drive shaft to rotate the blade at a second speed. A gear ratio of the worm drive is larger than 40:1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick H. Bukowski, Jeremiah John Guinta, Thomas Dean Morrell, Stephen J. Ryczek
  • Patent number: 9488149
    Abstract: A starting system for outdoor power equipment that has a controller and a start button to control the activation of an internal combustion engine. The starting system includes a controller that receives a start signal from a start button. The controller monitors for the presence of an enable device in an enable device receptacle and, upon activation of the start button and the presence of the enable device in the enable device receptacle, the controller provides electric power to the electric load of the power equipment. When the start button is depressed for longer than a minimum engagement period, the controller initiates operation of the engine. If the start button is pressed for less than the minimum engagement period, the controller activates the electric load for an auxiliary period without starting the engine. During engine operation, if the start button is depressed, the controller terminates operation of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Koenen, Stephen J. Ryczek, Bruce S. Lydy, Erik R. Slegelis, Steven J. Weber
  • Publication number: 20140299088
    Abstract: A starting system for outdoor power equipment that has a controller and a start button to control the activation of an internal combustion engine. The starting system includes a controller that receives a start signal from a start button. The controller monitors for the presence of an enable device in an enable device receptacle and, upon activation of the start button and the presence of the enable device in the enable device receptacle, the controller provides electric power to the electric load of the power equipment. When the start button is depressed for longer than a minimum engagement period, the controller initiates operation of the engine. If the start button is pressed for less than the minimum engagement period, the controller activates the electric load for an auxiliary period without starting the engine. During engine operation, if the start button is depressed, the controller terminates operation of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert J. Koenen, Stephen J. Ryczek, Bruce S. Lydy, Erik R. Slegelis, Steven J. Weber
  • Patent number: 8763579
    Abstract: A starting system for outdoor power equipment that has a controller and a start button to control the activation of an internal combustion engine. The starting system includes a controller that receives a start signal from a start button. The controller monitors for the presence of an enable device in an enable device receptacle and, upon activation of the start button and the presence of the enable device in the enable device receptacle, the controller provides electric power to the electric load of the power equipment. When the start button is depressed for longer than a minimum engagement period, the controller initiates operation of the engine. If the start button is pressed for less than the minimum engagement period, the controller activates the electric load for an auxiliary period without starting the engine. During engine operation, if the start button is depressed, the controller terminates operation of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Koenen, Stephen J. Ryczek, Bruce S. Lydy, Erik R. Slegelis, Steven J. Weber
  • Publication number: 20130312693
    Abstract: A starting system for outdoor power equipment that has a controller and a start button to control the activation of an internal combustion engine. The starting system includes a controller that receives a start signal from a start button. The controller monitors for the presence of an enable device in an enable device receptacle and, upon activation of the start button and the presence of the enable device in the enable device receptacle, the controller provides electric power to the electric load of the power equipment. When the start button is depressed for longer than a minimum engagement period, the controller initiates operation of the engine. If the start button is pressed for less than the minimum engagement period, the controller activates the electric load for an auxiliary period without starting the engine. During engine operation, if the start button is depressed, the controller terminates operation of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Koenen, Stephen J. Ryczek, Bruce S. Lydy, Erik R. Slegelis, Steven J. Weber
  • Patent number: 8516985
    Abstract: A starting system for outdoor power equipment that has a controller and a start button to control the activation of an internal combustion engine. The starting system includes a controller that receives a start signal from a start button. The controller monitors for the presence of an enable device in an enable device receptacle and, upon activation of the start button and the presence of the enable device in the enable device receptacle, the controller provides electric power to the electric load of the power equipment. When the start button is depressed for longer than a minimum engagement period, the controller initiates operation of the engine. If the start button is pressed for less than the minimum engagement period, the controller activates the electric load for an auxiliary period without starting the engine. During engine operation, if the start button is depressed, the controller terminates operation of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Koenen, Stephen J. Ryczek, Bruce S. Lydy, Erik R. Slegelis, Steven J. Weber
  • Publication number: 20120199089
    Abstract: A starting system for outdoor power equipment that has a controller and a start button to control the activation of an internal combustion engine. The starting system includes a controller that receives a start signal from a start button. The controller monitors for the presence of an enable device in an enable device receptacle and, upon activation of the start button and the presence of the enable device in the enable device receptacle, the controller provides electric power to the electric load of the power equipment. When the start button is depressed for longer than a minimum engagement period, the controller initiates operation of the engine. If the start button is pressed for less than the minimum engagement period, the controller activates the electric load for an auxiliary period without starting the engine. During engine operation, if the start button is depressed, the controller terminates operation of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert J. Koenen, Stephen J. Ryczek, Bruce S. Lydy, Erik R. Slegelis, Steven J. Weber
  • Patent number: 8171907
    Abstract: A starting system for outdoor power equipment that has a controller and a start button to control the activation of an internal combustion engine. The starting system includes a controller that receives a start signal from a start button. The controller monitors for the presence of an enable device in an enable device receptacle and, upon activation of the start button and the presence of the enable device in the enable device receptacle, the controller provides electric power to the electric load of the power equipment. When the start button is depressed for longer than a minimum engagement period, the controller initiates operation of the engine. If the start button is pressed for less than the minimum engagement period, the controller activates the electric load for an auxiliary period without starting the engine. During engine operation, if the start button is depressed, the controller terminates operation of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Briggs and Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Koenen, Stephen J. Ryczek, Bruce S. Lydy, Eric R. Slegelis, Steven J. Weber
  • Publication number: 20110203864
    Abstract: A hood assembly for a lawn tractor that includes a removable air intake cowl to prevent debris and rain from entering into the open interior defined by the hood. The air intake cowl is removably mounted to the hood of the lawn tractor. The hood of the lawn tractor includes a series of engine intake openings that allow air to flow onto the internal combustion engine. The cowl is defined by a top wall and a pair of depending sidewalls that each include a series of air inlet openings. The air inlet openings extend generally perpendicular to the top panel of the hood and thus prevent debris and rain from reaching the engine intake openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stephen J. Ryczek, Erik R. Slegelis, Bruce S. Lydy, Steven J. Weber
  • Publication number: 20110118961
    Abstract: A starting system for outdoor power equipment that has a controller and a start button to control the activation of an internal combustion engine. The starting system includes a controller that receives a start signal from a start button. The controller monitors for the presence of an enable device in an enable device receptacle and, upon activation of the start button and the presence of the enable device in the enable device receptacle, the controller provides electric power to the electric load of the power equipment. When the start button is depressed for longer than a minimum engagement period, the controller initiates operation of the engine. If the start button is pressed for less than the minimum engagement period, the controller activates the electric load for an auxiliary period without starting the engine. During engine operation, if the start button is depressed, the controller terminates operation of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert J. Koenen, Stephen J. Ryczek, Bruce S. Lydy, Eric R. Slegelis, Steven J. Weber
  • Patent number: 7389853
    Abstract: A muffler suited for use in discharging exhaust gas from an engine. The muffler generally includes a housing that defines a muffler interior, an inlet aperture, and an outlet aperture. A baffle that defines a baffle interior is positioned to divide the muffler interior into an inlet space and an intermediate space. A first aperture is defined within the baffle to provide fluid communication between the inlet space and the intermediate space and a second aperture is formed within the baffle to provide for fluid communication between the intermediate space and the baffle interior. A flow guide is integrally formed with the baffle and is positioned to direct exhaust gas from the baffle interior through the outlet aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen J. Ryczek, James D. Makiya, William M. Kindness, Kyle Clasen
  • Patent number: 7104233
    Abstract: An engine oil heater suited to use with an engine having an oil fill port in fluid communication with an oil reservoir that is adapted to contain a quantity of oil. The engine heater generally includes a coupling member operable to engage the oil fill port and a heater element interconnected with the coupling member and having a sufficient length such that the heater element is adapted to be at least partially immersed in oil. A temperature sensor is positioned to measure a temperature and a first electrical connector is configured to engage a second electrical connector. The first electrical connector is electrically connectable to the heater element to provide a flow of current and a control circuit is operable to vary the flow of current to the heater element in response to the measured temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen J. Ryczek, James D. Makiya, William M. Kindness, Kyle Clasen
  • Patent number: 6520141
    Abstract: A rewind cover guard for an internal combustion engine. The guard has a mounting surface and a flange. The mounting surface has an inner edge and an outer edge, and is disposed between the blower housing and the starter rewind cover of the engine. The flange is formed integral with the mounting surface and projects outwardly from the mounting surface near the outer edge. The flange is disposed adjacent the starter rewind cover. The flange extends in a direction transverse to the mounting surface, and is disposed vertically above the rewind cover. The flange has a deflecting surface facing away from the rewind cover, and a lip along the free edge of the flange. The guard diverts water and melted snow away from the rewind cover to help prevent moisture from entering the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen J. Ryczek, James D. Makiya, William M. Kindness
  • Publication number: 20020189571
    Abstract: A rewind cover guard for an internal combustion engine. The guard has a mounting surface and a flange. The mounting surface has an inner edge and an outer edge, and is disposed between the blower housing and the starter rewind cover of the engine. The flange is formed integral with the mounting surface and projects outwardly from the mounting surface near the outer edge. The flange is disposed adjacent the starter rewind cover. The flange extends in a direction transverse to the mounting surface, and is disposed vertically above the rewind cover. The flange has a deflecting surface facing away from the rewind cover, and a lip along the free edge of the flange. The guard diverts water and melted snow away from the rewind cover to help prevent moisture from entering the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Stephen J. Ryczek, James D. Makiya, William M. Kindness
  • Patent number: D529924
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen J. Ryczek, James D. Makiya, William M. Kindness, Kyle Clasen
  • Patent number: D536004
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen J. Ryczek, James D. Makiya, William M. Kindness, Kyle Clasen
  • Patent number: RE40548
    Abstract: An engine oil heater suited to use with an engine having an oil fill port in fluid communication with an oil reservoir that is adapted to contain a quantity of oil. The engine heater generally includes a coupling member operable to engage the oil fill port and a heater element interconnected with the coupling member and having a sufficient length such that the heater element is adapted to be at least partially immersed in oil. A temperature sensor is positioned to measure a temperature and a first electrical connector is configured to engage a second electrical connector. The first electrical connector is electrically connectable to the heater element to provide a flow of current and a control circuit is operable to vary the flow of current to the heater element in response to the measured temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Briggs and Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen J. Ryczek, James D. Makiya, William M. Kindness, Kyle Clasen
  • Patent number: D622292
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen J. Ryczek, Erik R. Slegelis, Dennis Hiller, Samuel Gerrits
  • Patent number: D622295
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen J. Ryczek, Eric R. Slegelis, Dennis Hiller, Samuel Gerrits
  • Patent number: D626975
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen J. Ryczek, Erik R. Slegelis, Dennis Hiller, Samuel Gerrits