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).
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Publication number: 20180317396Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2018Publication date: November 8, 2018Applicant: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventors: Patrick H. Bukowski, Jeremiah John Guinta, Thomas Dean Morrell, Stephen J. Ryczek
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Patent number: 9488149Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 18, 2014Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventors: Robert J. Koenen, Stephen J. Ryczek, Bruce S. Lydy, Erik R. Slegelis, Steven J. Weber
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Publication number: 20140299088Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2014Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATIONInventors: Robert J. Koenen, Stephen J. Ryczek, Bruce S. Lydy, Erik R. Slegelis, Steven J. Weber
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Patent number: 8763579Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 30, 2013Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventors: Robert J. Koenen, Stephen J. Ryczek, Bruce S. Lydy, Erik R. Slegelis, Steven J. Weber
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Publication number: 20130312693Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventors: Robert J. Koenen, Stephen J. Ryczek, Bruce S. Lydy, Erik R. Slegelis, Steven J. Weber
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Patent number: 8516985Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 19, 2012Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventors: Robert J. Koenen, Stephen J. Ryczek, Bruce S. Lydy, Erik R. Slegelis, Steven J. Weber
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Publication number: 20120199089Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2012Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATIONInventors: Robert J. Koenen, Stephen J. Ryczek, Bruce S. Lydy, Erik R. Slegelis, Steven J. Weber
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Patent number: 8171907Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 19, 2009Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Briggs and Stratton CorporationInventors: Robert J. Koenen, Stephen J. Ryczek, Bruce S. Lydy, Eric R. Slegelis, Steven J. Weber
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Publication number: 20110203864Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2010Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATIONInventors: Stephen J. Ryczek, Erik R. Slegelis, Bruce S. Lydy, Steven J. Weber
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Publication number: 20110118961Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2009Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATIONInventors: Robert J. Koenen, Stephen J. Ryczek, Bruce S. Lydy, Eric R. Slegelis, Steven J. Weber
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Patent number: 7389853Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 24, 2004Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventors: Stephen J. Ryczek, James D. Makiya, William M. Kindness, Kyle Clasen
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Patent number: 7104233Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 21, 2005Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventors: Stephen J. Ryczek, James D. Makiya, William M. Kindness, Kyle Clasen
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Patent number: 6520141Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 23, 2002Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventors: Stephen J. Ryczek, James D. Makiya, William M. Kindness
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Publication number: 20020189571Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2002Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventors: Stephen J. Ryczek, James D. Makiya, William M. Kindness
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Patent number: D529924Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2004Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventors: Stephen J. Ryczek, James D. Makiya, William M. Kindness, Kyle Clasen
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Patent number: D536004Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventors: Stephen J. Ryczek, James D. Makiya, William M. Kindness, Kyle Clasen
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Patent number: RE40548Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 14, 2007Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Briggs and Stratton CorporationInventors: Stephen J. Ryczek, James D. Makiya, William M. Kindness, Kyle Clasen
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Patent number: D622292Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2010Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventors: Stephen J. Ryczek, Erik R. Slegelis, Dennis Hiller, Samuel Gerrits
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Patent number: D622295Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2010Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventors: Stephen J. Ryczek, Eric R. Slegelis, Dennis Hiller, Samuel Gerrits
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Patent number: D626975Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2010Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventors: Stephen J. Ryczek, Erik R. Slegelis, Dennis Hiller, Samuel Gerrits