Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Steffes

Thomas J. Steffes 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: 4940271
    Abstract: In an internal combustion engine having a cylinder head, a head cover over the cylinder head, a plurality of studs extending upwardly from the cylinder head within the head cover, and a plurality of head cover bolts extending through respective apertures in the top of the head cover and threadingly engaging respective studs to mount the head cover to the cylinder head, a lifting method and tool are provided wherein one or more of the head cover bolts are removed and temporarily replaced by one or more respective tools each having a lower threaded portion threadingly engaging a respective stud, and an upper hook portion above the head cover for engagement by lifting apparatus for lifting the engine. Particular tool structure is disclosed, as well as various lifting techniques facilitated thereby, including balance point lifting, nonbalance lifting, double anchor lifting and triangulation lifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas J. Steffes
  • Patent number: 4922749
    Abstract: A crankshaft rotation tool and method is provided to facilitate test and repair adjustments requiring precise indexing of rotational degrees of the crankshaft. The tool engages and imparts rotation to existing bolts mounting an existing pulley to the crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Steffes, Paul A. Feyen, Wesley R. Martin
  • Patent number: 4875439
    Abstract: A fuel line cooler (34) is provided for a marine propulsion system (2) having a water cooled internal combustion engine (4) in a heat retentive compartment (5). The fuel line cooler (34) has an inlet (36) in communication with the source (14, 12) of cooling water for the engine (4), and has an outlet (38) for discharging water. The fuel line cooler (34) is cooled by sea water during running of the engine (4). Upon turn off of the engine (4), the cooled water in the fuel line cooler (34) is in heat transfer relation with the fuel and prevents vaporization and or spewing of the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Steven L. Widmer, Gerald F. Neisen, Jeffrey P. Ruhnke, Thomas J. Steffes, Brian S. Buchholz
  • Patent number: 4865004
    Abstract: A fuel line cooler (34) is provided for a marine propulsion system (2) having a water cooled internal combustion engine (4) in a heat retentive compartment (5). The fuel line cooler (34) has an inlet (36) in communication with the source (14, 12) of cooling water for the engine (4), and has an outlet (38) for discharging water. The fuel line cooler (34) is cooled by sea water during running of the engine (4). Upon turn off of the engine (4), the cooled water in the fuel line cooler (34) is in heat transfer relation with the fuel and prevents vaporization and or spewing of the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Steven L. Widmer, Gerald F. Neisen, Jeffrey P. Ruhnke, Thomas J. Steffes, Brian S. Buchholz
  • Patent number: 4768492
    Abstract: A fuel line cooler (34) is provided for a marine propulsion system (2) having a water cooled internal combustion engine (4) in a heat retentive compartment (5). The fuel line cooler (34) has an inlet (36) in communication with the source (14, 12) of cooling water for the engine (4), and has an outlet (38) for discharging water. The fuel line cooler (34) is cooled by sea water during running of the engine (4). Upon turn off of the engine (4), the cooled water in the fuel line cooler (34) is in heat transfer relation with the fuel and prevents vaporization and or spewing of the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Steven L. Widmer, Gerald F. Neisen, Jeffrey P. Ruhnke, Thomas J. Steffes, Brian S. Buchholz