The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 28, 1999
Filed:
Jul. 09, 1997
Gregory E Schmitz, Neenah, WI (US);
Jerry R Reineking, Cleveland, WI (US);
James P Burke, Sheboygan, WI (US);
Kohler Co., Kohler, WI (US);
Abstract
An internal combustion engine includes a mechanism for releasing compression from the cylinder during starting. That mechanism has an actuator attached to the engine camshaft for sliding between first and second positions. In first position the actuator is engaged by a lifter to open the engine exhaust valve during the compression phase of the combustion cycle. At the second position, the valve lifter does not engage the actuator and the exhaust valve remains closed during the compression phase. A weight lever is pivotally attached to the camshaft and drives the actuator between the first and second positions in response to engine speed. At slow speeds occurring while before the engine starts, the actuator is held the first position so that the compression is relieved. After the engine starts, centrifugal force causes the weight lever to drive the actuator into the second position at which normal compression occurs.