Patent ID: 7284508

Claim:
An internal combustion engine, comprising: a crankcase having a crankshaft rotatably disposed therein; a blower driven by said crankshaft to generate an air stream; a pair of cylinders connected to said crankcase, said cylinders disposed at an angle with respect to one another to define a V-space therebetween, said V-space substantially enclosed by portions of said engine; a carburetor disposed within said V-space; and a duct assembly disposed proximate at least one of said cylinders and in airflow communication with said air stream and with said V-space, whereby air in said air stream is heated within said duct assembly and is conducted to said V-space to heat said carburetor, further comprising a muffler in exhaust flow communication with at least one of said cylinders and disposed proximate said duct assembly, said duct assembly further including an inlet disposed adjacent said muffler whereby heated air from the vicinity of said muffler is drawn by said air stream into said duct assembly.