Patent ID: 6622683
Filing Date: 2003-09-23
Classification: A01D,F02D,F02N

Abstract:
An internal combustion engine comprising:an engine housing; a crankshaft mounted for rotation within said engine housing; a flywheel mounted to said crankshaft for rotation therewith in a starting direction during startup and operation of said engine; a spring housing mounted to said engine housing such that there is substantially no relative rotation between said engine housing and said spring housing; an energy storing mechanism including at least one elastic member housed within said spring housing, said elastic member having a portion fixed to said spring housing; an arbor extending into said spring housing and interconnected with a portion of said elastic member such that rotation of said arbor in a loading direction causes said elastic member to become loaded, said arbor rotating in an unloading direction in response to unloading of said elastic member; a spring loading mechanism including a first pulley coupled to said crankshaft for rotation therewith, a second pulley coupled to said arbor for rotation therewith, a belt coupling said first and second pulleys, and a tensioner actuable to apply tension to said belt and to cause said second pulley to rotate in response to rotation of said first pulley, wherein rotation of said crankshaft in said starting direction rotates said first pulley, which rotation is transmitted through said belt to said second pulley to rotate said arbor in said loading direction to thereby load said elastic member; and a starting mechanism selectively initiating unloading of said elastic member to cause engine startup.