Briggs & Stratton, LLC

Ronald R Gaulke

Joseph R Harkness

Norbert M Vogl

An engine-balancing system for balancing the primary forces of single cylinder and in phase in-line multi-cylinder piston engines. The balancing system includes rotary, auxiliary counterweights mounted on the exterior of the engine block for rotation about fixed axes that are parallel to and spaced from the crankshaft axis and positioned at diametrically opposite sides thereof. The combined centrifugal forces of these auxiliary counterweights are preferably equal to that of the conventional crankshaft-carried counterweights. The auxiliary counterweights are drivingly-connected with the crankshaft by a flexible double-sided timing belt that is trained over sprockets of the same diameter coaxially fixed with respect to the crankshaft and with each of the pair of auxiliary counterweights so that the pair of auxiliary counterweights turn at the same speed as, but in the opposite direction from that of the crankshaft. The auxiliary counterweights coact with one another and with the conventional crankshaft-carried counterweight to significantly diminish vibration of the engine incident to its operation.

Growing community of inventors

Waukesha, WI, United States of America

Ronald R Gaulke