Engine combined with an improved governor connecting rod

Abstract

The present invention relates to an engine having a connecting rod assembly, the connecting rod assembly having a governor lever, a governor shaft, and a throttle link. The governor lever couples the governor shaft to the throttle link. The governor lever is configured to adjust the relative position between the throttle link and the governor shaft. The governor lever has a main arm and an auxiliary arm, and the main arm is movable relative to the auxiliary arm. The main arm and the auxiliary arm are fixed by a fastener that prevents relative movement between the main arm and the auxiliary arm.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 218,964, filed on Jul. 7, 2021, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to internal combustion engines and, more particularly, to governor levers and related devices or equipment for such engines. Background Art

[0004] Internal combustion engines may utilize governors to prevent excessive engine speeds during various operating conditions. In many embodiments, the governor is a mechanical device that closes a throttle butterfly valve when a particular engine speed is reached, thereby preventing overspeed conditions. These governors require a linkage assembly to operate the throttle butterfly valve of a carburetor or throttle body and typically include a lever coupled to the governor that is adjusted to ensure proper operation. Adjustment is necessary during initial assembly and later when performing certain maintenance such as removing the carburetor or throttle body.

[0005] Some improvements are desired to more easily and reliably assemble the linkage assembly that connects the governor to the throttle butterfly valve. Some improvements are also desired to minimize assembly errors and reduce assembly time. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application discloses an engine having a governor and a linkage assembly. The governor has a governor shaft. The linkage assembly has a governor lever and a throttle linkage. The governor lever has a main arm, an auxiliary arm, and a fastener. The main arm is movably coupled to the auxiliary arm, and the fastener is configured to constrain movement between the main arm and the auxiliary arm. One of the main arm and the auxiliary arm is coupled to the governor shaft. The governor lever is capable of moving from a first position in which the governor shaft is in a first orientation relative to the throttle linkage to a second position in which the governor shaft is in a second orientation relative to the throttle linkage. When the governor lever is switched from the first position to the second position, the main arm moves relative to the auxiliary arm.

[0007] This application also discloses a linkage assembly for an engine. The linkage assembly has a governor lever and a throttle linkage. The governor lever has a main arm, an auxiliary arm, and a fastener. The main arm is movably coupled to the auxiliary arm, and the fastener is configured to constrain movement between the main arm and the auxiliary arm. The auxiliary arm is capable of moving from a first position relative to the main arm to a second position relative to the main arm.

[0008] The present application also discloses a method of installing a linkage assembly. In step a), an engine is provided. The engine has a fuel / air mixer and a governor. The fuel / air mixer has a throttle valve, and the governor has a governor shaft. In step b), the main arm of the governor lever of the linkage assembly is coupled to the governor shaft of the governor such that the main arm is non-rotatable relative to the governor shaft. In step c), the throttle linkage of the linkage assembly is coupled to the throttle valve of the fuel / air mixer. In step d), the relative position of the auxiliary arm of the governor lever with respect to the main arm is adjusted. In step e), the fasteners of the linkage assembly are secured to prevent relative movement between the main arm and the auxiliary arm of the governor lever.

[0009] The more applicable scope of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided herein. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples - although indicating the preferred embodiments of the present invention - are only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The present invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description and the drawings, in which like elements are similarly labeled, and in the drawings:

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an engine incorporating a first embodiment of a linkage assembly in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2 is a detailed view of a portion of the linkage assembly showing a portion of the linkage assembly;

[0013] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a portion of an engine including the linkage assembly, wherein the governor lever of the linkage assembly is in a first position;

[0014] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a portion of an engine including the linkage assembly, wherein the governor lever of the linkage assembly is in a second position;

[0015] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the linkage assembly and the governor shaft;

[0016] Figure 6 is Figure 5 a bottom perspective view of the linkage assembly and the governor shaft of

[0017] Figure 7 is Figure 5 an exploded view of the linkage assembly and the governor shaft of

[0018] Figure 8 is Figure 5 a top plan view of the linkage assembly and the governor shaft of

[0019] Figure 9 is Figure 5 the bottom plan view of the connecting rod assembly and the governor shaft;

[0020] Figure 10 is Figure 5 the front view of the connecting rod assembly and the governor shaft;

[0021] Figure 11 is Figure 5 the rear view of the connecting rod assembly and the governor shaft;

[0022] Figure 12 is Figure 5 the left side view of the connecting rod assembly and the governor shaft;

[0023] Figure 13 is Figure 5 the right side view of the connecting rod assembly and the governor shaft;

[0024] Figure 14 is the perspective view of the main arm of its governor lever;

[0025] Figure 15 is the bottom perspective view of the main arm of its governor lever;

[0026] Figure 16 is the top plan view of the main arm of its governor lever;

[0027] Figure 17 is the bottom plan view of the main arm of its governor lever;

[0028] Figure 18 is the left side view of the main arm of its governor lever;

[0029] Figure 19 is the right side view of the main arm of its governor lever;

[0030] Figure 20 is the rear view of the main arm of its governor lever;

[0031] Figure 21 is the front view of the main arm of its governor lever;

[0032] Figure 22 is the perspective view of the auxiliary arm of its governor lever;

[0033] Figure 23 is the bottom perspective view of the auxiliary arm of its governor lever;

[0034] Figure 24 is the top plan view of the auxiliary arm of its governor lever;

[0035] Figure 25 is the bottom plan view of the auxiliary arm of its governor lever;

[0036] Figure 26 is the rear view of the auxiliary arm of its governor lever;

[0037] Figure 27 is the front view of the auxiliary arm of its governor lever;

[0038] Figure 28 is the left side view of the auxiliary arm of its governor lever;

[0039] Figure 29 is the right side view of the auxiliary arm of its governor lever;

[0040] Figure 30 is the perspective view of the governor shaft;

[0041] Figure 31 is the perspective view of the second embodiment of the connecting rod assembly and the governor shaft, wherein the governor lever of the connecting rod assembly is in the first position;

[0042] Figure 32 is the perspective view of the second embodiment of the connecting rod assembly and the governor shaft, wherein the governor lever is in the second position;

[0043] Figure 33 is Figure 31 the exploded view of the connecting rod assembly and the governor shaft;

[0044] Figure 34 is the bottom perspective view of the auxiliary arm of its governor lever;

[0045] Figure 35 is the perspective view of the auxiliary arm of its governor lever;

[0046] Figure 36 is the bottom plan view of the auxiliary arm of its governor lever;

[0047] Figure 37 is the top plan view of the auxiliary arm of its governor lever;

[0048] Figure 38 is the front view of the auxiliary arm of its governor lever;

[0049] Figure 39 is the rear view of the auxiliary arm of its governor lever;

[0050] Figure 40 is the left side view of the auxiliary arm of its governor lever;

[0051] Figure 41 is the right side view of the auxiliary arm of its governor lever;

[0052] Figure 42 is the bottom perspective view of the main arm of its governor lever;

[0053] Figure 43 is a perspective view of the main arm of its governor lever;

[0054] Figure 44 is a bottom plan view of the main arm of its governor lever;

[0055] Figure 45 is a top plan view of the main arm of its governor lever;

[0056] Figure 46 is a left side view of the main arm of its governor lever;

[0057] Figure 47 is a right side view of the main arm of its governor lever;

[0058] Figure 48 is a rear view of the main arm of its governor lever;

[0059] Figure 49 is a front view of the main arm of its governor lever;

[0060] Figure 50 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the connecting rod assembly and the governor shaft;

[0061] Figure 51 is Figure 50 an exploded view of the connecting rod assembly and the governor shaft;

[0062] Figure 52 is a perspective view of the throttle link of its connecting rod assembly;

[0063] Figure 53 is a perspective view of the offset element of its connecting rod assembly;

[0064] Figure 54 is a perspective view of the pivot member of its connecting rod assembly;

[0065] Figure 55 is a front view of the pivot member of its connecting rod assembly;

[0066] Figure 56 is a perspective view of its governor shaft;

[0067] Figure 57 is a perspective view of the auxiliary arm of its governor lever;

[0068] Figure 58 is a top plan view of the auxiliary arm of its governor lever;

[0069] Figure 59 is a perspective view of the main arm of its governor lever;

[0070] Figure 60 is a top plan view of the main arm of its governor lever;

[0071] Figure 61 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a connecting rod assembly and a governor shaft;

[0072] Figure 62 is Figure 61 an exploded view of the connecting rod assembly and the governor shaft of;

[0073] Figure 63 is a perspective view of a pivot member of its connecting rod assembly;

[0074] Figure 64 is a front view of a pivot member of its connecting rod assembly;

[0075] Figure 65 is a perspective view of an auxiliary arm of its governor lever;

[0076] Figure 66 is a top plan view of an auxiliary arm of its governor lever;

[0077] Figure 67 is a perspective view of a main arm of its governor lever;

[0078] Figure 68 is a top plan view of a main arm of its governor lever;

[0079] Figure 69 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a connecting rod assembly and a governor shaft;

[0080] Figure 70 is Figure 69 an exploded view of the connecting rod assembly and the governor shaft of;

[0081] Figure 71 is a perspective view of an auxiliary arm of its governor lever;

[0082] Figure 72 is a top plan view of an auxiliary arm of its governor lever;

[0083] Figure 73 is a perspective view of a main arm of its governor lever;

[0084] Figure 74 is a top plan view of a main arm of its governor lever;

[0085] Figure 75 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a connecting rod assembly and a governor shaft;

[0086] Figure 76 is Figure 75 an exploded view of the connecting rod assembly and the governor shaft of;

[0087] Figure 77 is a perspective view of an auxiliary arm of its governor lever;

[0088] Figure 78 is a top plan view of the auxiliary arm of its governor lever;

[0089] Figure 79 is a perspective view of the main arm of its governor lever;

[0090] Figure 80 is a top plan view of the main arm of its governor lever;

[0091] Figure 81 is a perspective view of the seventh embodiment of the connecting rod assembly and the governor shaft;

[0092] Figure 82 is Figure 81 an exploded view of the connecting rod assembly and the governor shaft of;

[0093] Figure 83 is a perspective view of the auxiliary arm of its governor lever;

[0094] Figure 84 is a top plan view of the auxiliary arm of its governor lever;

[0095] Figure 85 is a perspective view of the main arm of its governor lever; and

[0096] Figure 86 is a top plan view of the main arm of its governor lever.

[0097] All of the drawings are schematic and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Features that are numbered in some of the drawings and may not be numbered in other drawings are the same features unless otherwise indicated herein. Detailed Description

[0098] The features and benefits of the present invention are illustrated and described by reference to non-limiting examples in which aspects of the present disclosure can be embodied. The description of this example is intended to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings or photographs, which are to be considered as part of the entire written description. Accordingly, the present disclosure is expressly not to be limited to these examples that illustrate some possible non-limiting combinations of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of the features disclosed herein.

[0099] In the description of the examples disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is intended only for convenience of description and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Relative terms such as "lower", "upper", "horizontal", "vertical", "above", "below", "upward", "downward", "top" and "bottom" and their derivatives (e.g., "horizontally", "downwardly", "upwardly", etc.) should be interpreted as referring to the orientation as described subsequently or as shown in the drawings discussed. These relative terms are merely for ease of description and do not require that the device be constructed or operated in a specific orientation. Unless otherwise explicitly described, terms such as "attach", "attach", "connect", "couple", "interconnect" and similar terms refer to a relationship in which structures are directly fixed or attached to each other or indirectly fixed or attached to each other through an intermediate structure, as well as a removable or rigidly attached relationship.

[0100] As used throughout, any range disclosed herein is used as shorthand for describing every value within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range.

[0101] Figure 1 A perspective view of engine 10 incorporating connecting rod assembly 100 is shown. Figure 2 A detailed view of the engine 10 is shown with the focus on the connecting rod assembly 100. As can be seen, the connecting rod assembly 100 is connected to the fuel / air mixer 20. In some embodiments, the fuel / air mixer 20 can be a carburetor. In other embodiments, the fuel / air mixer 20 can be a throttle body or another device that controls the air flow into the engine 10. The fuel / air mixer 20 can only meter air, wherein fuel is added to the air downstream of the fuel / air mixer 20 by a fuel injector or other device. The fuel / air mixer 20 has a throttle valve 21, which is operated by the connecting rod assembly 100. The connecting rod assembly 100 is biased by a biasing element 40 to return the connecting rod assembly to a rest state. Optionally, the biasing element 40 can be omitted.

[0102] Figures 3 to 13 The connecting rod assembly 100 is shown in greater detail. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As best seen in FIG. 1 , the connecting rod assembly 100 connects the governor 30 to the throttle valve 21 of the fuel / air mixer 20 as shown. The governor 30 has a mechanism that rotates the governor shaft 31 at a preselected speed to close the throttle valve 21 via the connecting rod assembly 100. Figures 5 to 13, the connecting rod assembly 100 is shown as having a governor shaft 31. The connecting rod assembly 100 has a main arm 101, an auxiliary arm 102, a throttle link 103, an adjusting member 104, and a biasing element 105. The main arm 101, the auxiliary arm 102, the adjusting member 104, and the biasing element 105 together form a governor lever 106. The governor lever 106 is an assembly of the above components that couple the throttle link 103 and the governor shaft 31 and set the relative orientation of one with respect to the other.

[0103] The governor lever 106 is biased such that the governor shaft 31 bears against the actuating portion of the governor 30 in the rest state. As described above, the connecting rod assembly 100 is Figure 1 and Figure 2 biased to the rest state by the biasing element 40 as shown in. In the rest state, the biasing element 40 causes the governor lever 106 to rotate counterclockwise as viewed from above the governor shaft 31. When the engine 10 exceeds the set maximum operating speed, the governor 30 causes the governor shaft 31 to rotate clockwise. This rotation is transmitted to the governor lever 106, which then causes the throttle link 103 to close the throttle valve 21 and reduce the air flow into the engine. This causes the speed of the engine 10 to decrease, thereby preventing an overspeed condition. The biasing element 40 can be used only for assembly and can be removed after the governor lever 106 is set. Alternatively, the biasing element 40 can be completely omitted.

[0104] The governor lever 106 is coupled to the biasing element 40 via a plurality of holes 110 formed in the main arm 101. The holes 110 are used to adjust the tension of the biasing element 40. The aperture 111 receives the governor shaft 31 and is generally in the shape of a "D". The aperture 111 mates with a corresponding proximal end 32 that is generally in the shape of a "D" and has threads located on the proximal end 32. The proximal end 32 is formed by machining, grinding, or otherwise forming a flat portion on the end of the governor shaft 31. A fastener 130 can be used to ensure that the main arm 101 of the governor lever 106 is firmly held on the governor shaft 31. The fastener 130 can be a nut, bolt, pin, or any other known component for fastening two items together. In other embodiments, the governor shaft 31 can be attached to the main arm 101 via another means such as clamping, welding, or brazing. Thus, the proximal end 32 and the aperture 111 do not need to be in the shape of a "D", but can be circular, splined, or other geometric shapes.

[0105] The main arm 101 of the governor lever 106 also has a first protrusion 112, a second protrusion 113, and a connection feature 114. The first protrusion 112 can be a tab protrusion or other feature that can be used to assist in the alignment or registration of the auxiliary arm 102, as will be discussed in more detail below. The second protrusion 113 can also be a tab protrusion or other feature that can be used to assist in the alignment or registration of the auxiliary arm 102, as will be discussed in more detail below. Finally, the connection feature 114 can be a threaded hole that can engage the adjustment member 104. Preferably, the connection feature 114 is aligned with the axis A-A and is configured to engage the adjustment member 104 such that the adjustment member 104 can be axially fixed to the connection feature 114.

[0106] The auxiliary arm 102 of the governor lever 106 has a first slot 121, a second slot 122, a first protrusion 123, and a second protrusion 124. The first slot 121 preferably has a width adapted to engage the first protrusion 112 of the main arm 101. The second slot 122 preferably has a width adapted to engage the second protrusion 113 of the main arm 101. Additionally, the first slot 121 and the second slot 122 are preferably dimensioned such that the main arm 101 can slide in the direction A-A and remain aligned by the first protrusion 112 and the second protrusion 113. The first protrusion 123 has a first hole 125, and the second protrusion 124 has a second hole 126. The first hole 125 and the second hole 126 are configured to receive the adjustment member 104. The biasing element 105 is assembled such that it is coaxial with the adjustment member 104 and biases the first protrusion 123 of the auxiliary arm 102 away from the second protrusion 113 of the main arm 101 along the axis A-A. The adjustment member 104 engages the connection feature 114 and sets the distance between the first protrusion 123 of the auxiliary arm 102 and the second protrusion 113 of the main arm 101.

[0107] The auxiliary arm 102 also has a plurality of holes 127 that are configured to receive the throttle link 103 and optionally receive additional biasing elements. The holes 127 allow a secure connection between the throttle link 103 and the governor lever 106. The additional holes 127 allow a range of adjustment, thereby allowing for greater tolerances in component manufacturing. Alternatively, the additional holes 127 can allow the use of additional links to operate additional components on the engine 10.

[0108] The connecting rod assembly 100 is adjusted such that the rotational orientation of the governor shaft 31 relative to the throttle link 103 is set. In particular, for proper adjustment of the engine 10, the connecting rod assembly 100 cannot permit any relative or "slop" movement between the throttle valve 21 and the governor shaft 31. In the presence of excessive movement, the governor 30 may not operate correctly or the engine may not idle properly, among other issues. It is evident that slack between the throttle link 103 and the governor shaft 31 is undesirable. The governor lever 106 can be adjusted via the adjustment member 104 to ensure that there is no slack between the governor shaft 31 and the throttle link 103 without imposing an undesirable tension on the throttle link 103. In other words, when properly adjusted, the governor shaft 31 and the throttle link 103 should not be under tension and should also have no play.

[0109] The adjustment member 104 is adjusted such that the auxiliary arm moves along the axis A-A and the governor lever 106 is adjusted. When the adjustment member 104 is adjusted such that the first protrusion 123 of the auxiliary arm 102 and the second protrusion 113 of the main arm 101 are moved closer together, the main arm 101 moves closer to the throttle link 103. This reduces the tension on the throttle link 103. If adjusted too far, this results in play between the throttle valve 21 and the governor lever 106. When the adjustment member 104 is adjusted such that the first protrusion 123 of the auxiliary arm 102 and the second protrusion 113 of the main arm 101 are moved further apart, the main arm 101 moves further away from the throttle link 103. This reduces the play in the connection between the throttle link 103 and the governor lever 106. If adjusted too far, this results in tension being applied to the throttle link 103. Optionally, the governor lever 106 can also incorporate clamping features to lock the setting of the adjustment member 104. This can be a locknut on the adjustment member 104, a bolt or other fixture that engages the main arm 101 and the auxiliary arm 102, or some other means that ensures no further relative movement occurs once proper adjustment has been made.

[0110] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 best seen in, the governor lever 106 can be switched from a first position to a second position. Figure 3 The governor lever 106 is shown in the first position, in which the auxiliary arm 102 is adjusted closest to the governor shaft 31. Figure 4The governor lever 106 is shown in a second position in which the auxiliary arm 102 is adjusted to be farthest from the governor shaft 31. In particular, when the governor lever 106 is in the first position, the hole 127 is closest to the governor shaft 31. When the governor lever 106 is in the second position, the hole 127 is farthest from the governor shaft 31. The governor lever 106 can be adjusted to any position between the first and second positions to allow effective adjustment, and the governor lever 106 changes the relative orientation of the throttle linkage 103 with respect to the governor shaft 31.

[0111] In one method of installation, an engine 10 is provided, the engine 10 having a fuel / air mixer 20 and a governor 30. The fuel / air mixer 20 has a throttle valve 21. The governor 30 has a governor shaft 31. The governor lever 106 of the linkage assembly 100 is coupled to the proximal end 32 of the governor shaft 31. More specifically, the main arm 101 of the governor lever 106 is coupled to the proximal end 32 of the governor shaft 31. Preferably, the main arm 101 is non-rotatable relative to the governor shaft 31. The throttle linkage 103 of the linkage assembly 100 is coupled to the throttle valve 21 of the fuel / air mixer 20. The auxiliary arm 102 is coupled to the main arm 101 of the governor lever 106. When the linkage assembly 100 is coupled to the throttle valve 21 and the governor shaft 31, the governor lever 106 is in the second position. The second position ensures sufficient slack to allow assembly and subsequent adjustment. Then, the throttle linkage 103 is coupled to the auxiliary arm 102 of the governor lever 106. Optionally, the order of the coupling steps can be changed as needed.

[0112] The relative position or orientation between the auxiliary arm 102 and the main arm 101 of the governor lever 106 is adjusted. By mounting the biasing element 40, the governor shaft 31 is biased to the rest state. Alternatively, the governor shaft 31 can be biased to the rest state using hand pressure or another piece of assembly equipment, and the biasing element 40 can be omitted. The relative position or orientation between the main arm 101 and the auxiliary arm 102 is adjusted until the throttle linkage 103 is under sufficient tension to hold the throttle valve 21 in the wide-open throttle position. This can be done via the adjusting member 104 or via an additional means such as a fastener of the linkage assembly 100. The adjusting member 104 or the fastener fixes the main arm 101 and the auxiliary arm 102 relative to each other to maintain the desired setting. As a result of the adjustment step, the governor lever 106 is now in the first position or in an intermediate position between the second and first positions. In this way, the relative position or orientation between the governor shaft 31 and the throttle valve 21 is set. When the throttle valve 21 is in the wide-open throttle position, the governor 30 will be able to close the throttle valve 21 without any idling movement in the governor 30.

[0113] Turning Figures 31 to 49, a second embodiment of the linkage assembly 200 is shown in mating engagement with the governor shaft 31. Figure 31 The proximal end 32 of the governor shaft 31 that engages the main arm 201 and the auxiliary arm 202 is shown. As is better seen in Figure 33 , the proximal end 32 of the governor shaft 31 engages an aperture 211 that is generally "D" shaped to non-rotatably couple to the governor shaft 31. Similar to the linkage assembly 100, the aperture 211 may have various configurations to allow non-rotatable assembly, and the aperture 211 may be circular and clamped to the proximal end 32 in different ways. Alternatively, the aperture 211 may be welded, brazed, connected via a spline connection, or by other methods known in the art. A fastener 130 engages the proximal end 32 to secure the main arm 201 to the governor shaft 31. Optionally, the fastener 130 may be a nut. In other embodiments, the fastener 130 may be a pin such as a cotter pin or other pin. In other configurations, the fastener 130 may be replaced by a welded or brazed connection or other fastening means known in the art.

[0114] The main arm 201 also has a plurality of holes 210 for engaging a biasing element 40 such that the governor lever 206 of the linkage assembly 200 can be used to bias the governor shaft 31 to a rest position. The main arm 201 has a first protrusion 212 and a connection feature 214. The first protrusion 212 may be a metal protrusion that is angled relative to the remainder of the main arm 201. As shown, the connection feature 214 may be a hole formed in the first protrusion 212, and the first protrusion 212 may incorporate a lateral notch 215. The connection feature 214 and the lateral notch 215 enable the biasing element 205 to be connected to the main arm 201. Finally, the main arm 201 has a hole 216 for receiving a pivot member 207. Optionally, the hole 216 may be threaded, and the pivot member 207 may have a corresponding thread to non-rotatably couple the pivot member 207 to the main arm 201. Alternatively, the pivot member 207 and the hole 216 may be a loose fit such that the pivot member 207 and the main arm 201 can be rotatably coupled. The pivot member 207 and the hole 216 are located on axis B-B, which extends perpendicular to the hole 216 and perpendicular to the length of the pivot member 207.

[0115] The auxiliary arm 202 has a first protrusion 223, and the first protrusion 223 has a connection feature 225 and a pair of lateral notches 228. The first protrusion 223 can be a metal protrusion bent at an angle relative to the remainder of the auxiliary arm 202, and the connection feature 225 can be a hole formed through the first protrusion 223. The lateral notches 228 can be formed on either side of the connection feature 225 as shown. The connection feature 225 and the lateral notches 228 engage the biasing element 205 in a manner similar to the first protrusion 212 and the lateral notches 215 of the main arm 201.

[0116] The auxiliary arm 202 also has a hole 229 that is located on axis B-B and is configured to freely fit with the pivot member 207. Accordingly, the auxiliary arm 202 can rotate relative to the main arm 201 about axis B-B. The pivot member 207 can be a shoulder bolt or other fastener configured to allow relative rotation of the main arm 201 with respect to the auxiliary arm 202. The biasing element 205 can be used to bias the auxiliary arm 201 about axis B-B in a first rotational direction D1. The first rotational direction D1 is counterclockwise. In other embodiments, the first rotational direction D1 can be clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the desired configuration. In the case of the linkage assembly 200, the auxiliary arm 202 is preferably biased to a first position in which the auxiliary arm 202 rotates counterclockwise with respect to the main arm 201. In other embodiments, the auxiliary arm 202 can be biased to a second position in which the auxiliary arm 202 rotates clockwise with respect to the main arm 201.

[0117] The auxiliary arm 202 also has an aperture 221 and a plurality of holes 227. The plurality of holes 227 are for connecting the throttle linkage 203 and can optionally receive additional linkages or biasing elements as needed. The aperture 221 is shaped such that it receives the proximal end 32 of the governor shaft 31. The aperture 221 is also shaped to allow relative rotation of the auxiliary arm 202 with respect to the main arm 201. Accordingly, the fastener 130 can be loosened, the correct relative orientation between the main arm 201 and the auxiliary arm 202 can be set, and the fastener 130 can be tightened in such a manner as to clamp the main arm 201 to the auxiliary arm 202 by means of threads on the proximal end 32 of the governor shaft 31. Accordingly, the relative orientation of the governor shaft 31 with respect to the throttle linkage 203 and the throttle valve 21 can be set. This ensures a quick and reliable setup of the governor 30 during assembly or maintenance.

[0118] As can be seen, the aperture 221 sets the travel limits and defines the first and second positions of the auxiliary arm 202 with respect to the main arm 201. Accordingly, the aperture 221 of the auxiliary arm 202 is used to control the range of motion. Optionally, the aperture 221 and the aperture 211 can be exchanged such that the aperture 211 is located on the auxiliary arm 202 and the aperture 221 is located on the main arm 201.

[0119] Go to Figures 50 to 63 , a third embodiment of the linkage assembly 300 is shown mated with the governor shaft 331. Figure 50 The proximal end 332 of the governor shaft 331 that engages the main arm 301 and the auxiliary arm 302 is shown. The proximal end 332 of the governor shaft 331 engages an aperture 311 that has two flat sides for non-rotatably coupling the main arm 301 to the governor shaft 331. Like the linkage assembly 100, the aperture 311 can have various configurations to allow non-rotatable assembly, and the aperture 311 can be circular and clamped to the proximal end 332 in different ways. Alternatively, the aperture 311 can be welded, brazed, connected via a spline connection or other methods known in the art. A fastener 130 engages the proximal end 332 to secure the main arm 301 to the governor shaft 331. Optionally, the fastener 130 can be a nut. In other embodiments, the fastener 130 can be a pin such as a cotter pin or other pin. In other configurations, the fastener 130 can be replaced by a welded or brazed connection or other fastening means known in the art.

[0120] The main arm 301 has a plurality of holes 310 for engaging a biasing element 40 such that the governor lever 306 of the linkage assembly 300 can be used to bias the governor shaft 331 to a rest position. The main arm 301 also has a hole 316 for receiving a pivot member 307. Optionally, the hole 316 can be non-circular. In the present example, the hole 316 is generally square, as will be discussed in more detail below. The pivot member 307 extends into the hole 316 to couple the pivot member 307 to the main arm 301. The pivot member 307 and the hole 316 are located on an axis B-B that extends perpendicular to the hole 316. Optionally, the auxiliary arm 302 can rotate relative to the main arm 301 about the axis B-B that extends through the pivot member 307. Thus, the pivot member 307 allows the auxiliary arm 302 to rotate relative to the main arm 301.

[0121] The auxiliary arm 302 has a hole 329 that is located on the axis B-B and is configured to receive the pivot member 307. The hole 329 is generally cross-shaped. Thus, the auxiliary arm 302 can rotate relative to the main arm 301 about the axis B-B that intersects the pivot member 307. The pivot member 307 is formed of a metallic material such as spring steel, but can also be formed of plastic or other materials. The pivot member 307 also serves as a biasing element. Thus, the arrangement of the pivot member 307 in combination with the holes 316, 329 allows the main arm 301 and the auxiliary arm 302 to pivot. Additionally, the pivot member 307 can also bias the auxiliary arm 302 relative to the main arm 301 about the axis B-B in a first rotational direction D1.

[0122] The first rotational direction D1 is counterclockwise. In other embodiments, the first rotational direction D1 can be clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the desired configuration. In the case of the linkage assembly 300, the auxiliary arm 302 is preferably biased to a first position in which the auxiliary arm 302 rotates counterclockwise relative to the main arm 301. In other embodiments, the auxiliary arm 302 can be biased to a second position in which the auxiliary arm 302 rotates clockwise relative to the main arm 301.

[0123] The auxiliary arm 302 also has an aperture 321 and a plurality of holes 327. The plurality of holes 327 are for connecting the throttle linkage 303 and can optionally receive additional linkages or biasing elements as needed. In the present embodiment, the biasing element 308 is used with the throttle linkage 303. The aperture 321 is shaped such that it receives the proximal end 332 of the governor shaft 331. The aperture 321 is also shaped to allow relative rotation of the auxiliary arm 302 relative to the main arm 301. Thus, the fastener 130 described above can be loosened, the correct relative orientation between the main arm 301 and the auxiliary arm 302 can be set, and the fastener 130 can be tightened in such a way as to clamp the main arm 301 to the auxiliary arm 302 by means of the threads on the proximal end 332 of the governor shaft 331. Thus, the relative orientation of the governor shaft 331 relative to the throttle linkage 303 and the throttle valve 21 can be set. This ensures a quick and reliable setting of the governor 30 during assembly or maintenance.

[0124] As can be seen, the aperture 321 sets the travel limits and defines the first and second positions of the auxiliary arm 302 relative to the main arm 301. Thus, the aperture 321 of the auxiliary arm 302 is used to control the range of motion. Optionally, the aperture 321 and the aperture 311 can be reversed such that the aperture 311 is located on the auxiliary arm 302 and the aperture 321 is located on the main arm 301. The aperture 321 can be a slot having a generally arcuate shape with straight or arcuate ends that define the travel limits of the auxiliary arm 302.

[0125] Optionally, the throttle linkage 303 can have a rod 340 and a retainer 341 that holds the end of the rod 340 and secures the rod 340 to the auxiliary arm 302. Optionally, the retainer 341 can be formed of plastic or metal. The rod 340 can be formed of metal, or in some other embodiments, the rod 340 can be formed of metal. The throttle linkage 303 is formed by the rod 340 and the retainer 341 together. However, in other embodiments, the retainer 341 can be omitted and the throttle linkage 303 can be formed only by the rod 340.

[0126] The pivot member 307 is at Figure 54 and Figure 55is shown in greater detail. The pivot member 307 is formed from a sheet material such as spring steel, and the pivot member 307 has four protrusions 351. Each protrusion 351 has a snap feature 352 and extends from a base 353 to a distal end 354. The snap feature 352 is positioned near the distal end 354. The base 353 also has four retention features 355 that extend radially outward from a central axis C-C between adjacent protrusions 351. The base 353 is substantially planar and perpendicular to the axis C-C. When assembled with the main arm 301 and the auxiliary arm 302, the protrusions 351 extend through holes 316, 329 such that the snap feature 352 engages the main arm 301 and compresses the main arm 301 and the auxiliary arm 302 together to hold the main arm 301 and the auxiliary arm 302 in place. The retention features 355 engage the auxiliary arm 302 while the snap feature 352 engages the main arm 301.

[0127] Figure 57 and Figure 58 The auxiliary arm 302 is shown in greater detail. The auxiliary arm 302 incorporates a plurality of holes 327 for receiving the throttle linkage 303, a hole 329 for receiving the pivot member 307, and an aperture 321 for receiving the proximal end 332 of the governor shaft 331 while allowing an adjustment range between the main arm 301 and the auxiliary arm 302. The hole 329 has the cross shape as described above. The hole 329 incorporates four notches 361, each notch sized to receive a protrusion 351 of the pivot member 307. The notches 361 terminate at corners 362 that isolate the notches 361 from each other. The notches 361 prevent the pivot member 307 from rotating within the hole 329.

[0128] The aperture 321 has an arcuate inner wall 365, an arcuate outer wall 366, and a first lateral side 367 and a second lateral side 368 extending from the arcuate inner wall 365 to the arcuate outer wall 366. When the first lateral side 367 and the second lateral side 368 contact the proximal end 332 of the governor shaft 331, the first lateral side 367 and the second lateral side 368 constrain the movement of the auxiliary arm 302. An indicator 369 may be formed on the auxiliary arm 302 to indicate the position or orientation of the auxiliary arm 302 relative to the main arm 301. Optionally, one or more bends may be used to position the plurality of holes 327 in a different plane than the hole 329 and the aperture 321. This may be accomplished for clearance reasons or may be implemented to better align the throttle linkage 303 and increase the reliability of the linkage assembly 300.

[0129] Steering Figure 59 and Figure 60, shows the main arm 301 in more detail. The main arm 301 has a hole 316, an orifice 311, and a plurality of holes 310. The orifice 311 can be a slot having two arcuate sides and two flat sides, or the orifice 311 can be any other shape adapted to connect to the proximal end 332 of the governor shaft 331 in a non-rotatable manner. In other configurations, the orifice 311 can be D-shaped, or the orifice 311 can be splined or of other shapes. The main arm 301 can be planar and have a generally L-shaped configuration. In other embodiments, the main arm 301 can be non-planar and elongated or of any other shape.

[0130] The main arm 301 is also incorporated with a plurality of graduations 370, which in combination with the indicator 369 of the auxiliary arm 302 can be used to indicate the current setting of the auxiliary arm 302 relative to the main arm 301. In other embodiments, the indicator 369 and the graduations 370 can be interchanged such that the indicator 369 is on the main arm 301 and the graduations 370 are on the auxiliary arm 302. In other configurations, other position indicating means can be used, or the indicator 369 and the graduations 370 can be omitted.

[0131] The hole 316 is generally square-shaped, having four sides 371, each side 371 being substantially perpendicular to each adjacent side 371. A plurality of protrusions 372 extend between adjacent sides 371. When the auxiliary arm 302 rotates relative to the main arm 301, the protrusions 372 engage the projections 351. The projections 351 deflect, thereby providing a biasing torque that biases the auxiliary arm 302 in the first rotational direction D1.

[0132] The amount of the biasing torque can be adjusted by various factors including the stiffness of the projection 351 and the relative positioning of the side 371 of the main arm 301 relative to the notch 361 of the auxiliary arm 302. In other words, when the side 371 is parallel to the notch 361, there is no biasing torque. The rotational position of the side 371 relative to the notch 361 must be set to achieve the desired biasing torque at the first and second positions of the auxiliary arm 302. The rotational angle between the notch 361 and the side 371 can vary depending on the desired biasing torque, the nature and geometry of the pivot member 307, and the desired range of motion.

[0133] Steering Figures 61 to 68, showing a fourth embodiment of the linkage assembly 400. The linkage assembly 400 is shown mating with a governor shaft 331 having a proximal end 332. The linkage assembly 400 has a governor lever 406. The governor lever 406 has a main arm 401 and an auxiliary arm 402, and the main arm 401 has an aperture 411. The aperture 411 receives the proximal end 332 of the governor shaft 331. A fastener 130 secures the main arm 401 and the auxiliary arm 402 to the governor shaft 331. A biasing element 308 and a throttle linkage 303 are coupled to the auxiliary arm 402 in the same manner as in the linkage assembly 300.

[0134] The main arm 401 has a plurality of holes 410 for engaging a biasing element 40 so that the governor lever 406 of the linkage assembly 400 can be used to bias the governor shaft 331 to a rest position. The main arm 401 also has a hole 416 for receiving a pivot member 407. Optionally, the hole 416 can be non-circular. In the present example, the hole 416 is generally square, as will be discussed in more detail below. The pivot member 407 extends into the hole 416 to couple the pivot member 407 to the main arm 401. The pivot member 407 and the hole 416 are located on an axis B-B extending perpendicular to the hole 416. Optionally, the auxiliary arm 402 can rotate relative to the main arm 401 about the axis B-B, and the axis B-B extends through the pivot member 407. Thus, the pivot member 407 allows the auxiliary arm 402 to rotate relative to the main arm 401.

[0135] The auxiliary arm 402 has a hole 429 that is located on the axis B-B and is configured to receive the pivot member 407. The hole 429 is generally square in shape. Thus, the auxiliary arm 402 can rotate relative to the main arm 401 about the axis B-B, and the axis B-B intersects the pivot member 407. The pivot member 407 is formed of a plastic material such as nylon, but can also be formed of metal or other materials. The pivot member 407 also serves as a biasing element. Thus, the arrangement of the pivot member 407 in combination with the holes 416, 429 allows pivoting of the main arm 401 and the auxiliary arm 402. Additionally, the pivot member 407 can also bias the auxiliary arm 402 relative to the main arm 401 about the axis B-B in a first rotational direction D1.

[0136] The first rotational direction D1 is the counterclockwise direction. In other embodiments, the first rotational direction D1 can be clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the desired configuration. In the case of the linkage assembly 400, the auxiliary arm 402 is preferably biased to a first position in which the auxiliary arm 402 rotates counterclockwise relative to the main arm 401. In other embodiments, the auxiliary arm 402 can be biased to a second position in which the auxiliary arm 402 rotates clockwise relative to the main arm 401.

[0137] The auxiliary arm 402 also has an aperture 421 and a plurality of holes 427. The plurality of holes 427 are for connecting the throttle link 303 and the biasing element 308. The aperture 421 is shaped such that it receives the proximal end 332 of the governor shaft 331. The aperture 421 is also shaped to permit relative rotation of the auxiliary arm 402 with respect to the main arm 401. Thus, the fastener 130 can be loosened, the correct relative orientation between the main arm 401 and the auxiliary arm 402 can be set, and the fastener 130 can be tightened in such a manner as to clamp the main arm 401 to the auxiliary arm 402 by means of the threads on the proximal end 332 of the governor shaft 331. Accordingly, the relative orientation of the governor shaft 331 with respect to the throttle link 303 and the throttle valve 21 can be set. This ensures a quick and reliable setting of the governor 30 during assembly or maintenance.

[0138] As can be seen, the aperture 421 sets the travel limit and defines a first position and a second position of the auxiliary arm 402 with respect to the main arm 401. Thus, the aperture 421 of the auxiliary arm 402 serves to control the range of motion. Optionally, the aperture 421 and the aperture 411 can be reversed such that the aperture 411 is located on the auxiliary arm 402 and the aperture 421 is located on the main arm 401. The aperture 421 can be a slot having a generally arcuate shape with straight or arcuate ends that define the travel limit of the auxiliary arm 402.

[0139] Figure 63 and Figure 64 The pivot member 407 is shown in more detail in and. The pivot member 407 is formed of a molded plastic material such as nylon and has four protrusions 451. Each protrusion 451 has a snap feature 452 and extends from a base 453 to a distal end 454. The snap feature 452 is located near the distal end 454. The base 453 also has a retention feature 455 that extends radially outward from the central axis C-C to form a generally square shape. The base 453 is substantially planar and perpendicular to the axis C-C. When assembled with the main arm 401 and the auxiliary arm 402, the protrusions 451 extend through the holes 416, 429 such that the snap feature 452 engages the main arm 401 and compresses the main arm 401 and the auxiliary arm 402 together to hold the main arm 401 and the auxiliary arm 402 in place. The retention feature 455 engages the auxiliary arm 402 while the snap feature 452 engages the main arm 401.

[0140] Figure 65 and Figure 66The auxiliary arm 402 is shown in greater detail. The auxiliary arm 402 incorporates a plurality of holes 427 for receiving the throttle link 303, a hole 429 for receiving the pivot member 407, and an aperture 421 for receiving the proximal end 332 of the governor shaft 331 while allowing for an adjustment range between the main arm 401 and the auxiliary arm 402. The hole 429 has the square shape as described above. The hole 429 has four sides 461, and each of the sides 461 is sized to receive the protrusion 451 of the pivot member 407. The adjacent sides among the sides 461 are substantially perpendicular and terminate at corners 462, and the corners 462 have little or no radius deviation or other deviation from the sharp corners. Optionally, if desired, the corners 462 may include chamfers, radii, or other features. In an alternative configuration, the hole 429 may be in a cross shape or other shape suitable for receiving the protrusion 451 of the pivot member 407. The sides 461 prevent the pivot member 407 from rotating within the hole 429.

[0141] The aperture 421 has an arcuate inner wall 465, an arcuate outer wall 466, and a first lateral side 467 and a second lateral side 468 extending from the arcuate inner wall 465 to the arcuate outer wall 466. When the first lateral side 467 and the second lateral side 468 come into contact with the proximal end 332 of the governor shaft 331, the first lateral side 467 and the second lateral side 468 constrain the movement of the auxiliary arm 402. An indicator 469 may be formed on the auxiliary arm 402 to indicate the position or orientation of the auxiliary arm 402 relative to the main arm 401. Optionally, one or more bends may be used to dispose the plurality of holes 427 in a plane different from the hole 429 and the aperture 421. This may be achieved for clearance reasons or may be implemented to better align the throttle link 303 and increase the reliability of the link assembly 400.

[0142] Steering Figure 67 and Figure 68 The main arm 401 is shown in greater detail. The main arm 401 has a hole 416, an aperture 411, and a plurality of holes 410. The aperture 411 may be a slot having two arcuate sides and two flat sides, or the aperture 411 may have any other shape suitable for non-rotatably connecting to the proximal end 332 of the governor shaft 331. In other configurations, the aperture 411 may be in a D shape, or may be in a spline shape or other shape. The main arm 401 may be planar and have a generally L-shaped configuration. In other embodiments, the main arm 401 may be non-planar and elongated or have any other shape.

[0143] The main arm 401 is also combined with a plurality of graduations 470, which in combination with the indicator 469 of the auxiliary arm 402 can be used to indicate the current setting of the auxiliary arm 402 relative to the main arm 401. In other embodiments, the indicator 469 and the graduations 470 can be interchanged such that the indicator 469 is on the main arm 401 and the graduations 470 are on the auxiliary arm 402. In other configurations, other position indicating means can be used, or the indicator 469 and the graduations 470 can be omitted.

[0144] The hole 416 is in a generally square shape and has four sides 471, each of which is substantially perpendicular to each adjacent side 471. A plurality of corners 472 are formed at the intersections between the adjacent sides 471. The corners 472 are substantially pointed and have no obvious radius or chamfer. In other embodiments, the corners 472 can have chamfers or other features for engaging the protrusion 451 when the auxiliary arm 402 rotates relative to the main arm 401. Regardless of the shape of the corners 472, the protrusion 451 deflects in response to the relative rotation between the main arm 401 and the auxiliary arm 402, thereby providing a biasing torque that biases the auxiliary arm 402 in the first rotation direction D1.

[0145] The amount of the biasing torque can be adjusted by various factors including the stiffness of the protrusion 451 and the relative positioning of the side 471 of the main arm 401 relative to the side 461 of the auxiliary arm 402. In other words, when the side 471 is parallel to the side 461, there is no biasing torque. The rotational position of the side 471 relative to the side 461 must be set to obtain the desired biasing torque at both the first position and the second position of the auxiliary arm 402. The rotational angle between the side 461 and the side 471 can vary according to the desired biasing torque, the nature and geometry of the pivot member 407, and the desired range of motion.

[0146] Steering Figures 69 to 74 , shows a fifth embodiment of the linkage assembly 500. The linkage assembly 500 has a governor lever 506, which is shown as being coupled to a governor shaft 531 having a proximal end 532. The governor lever 506 has a main arm 501 and an auxiliary arm 502, and the main arm 501 has an aperture 511. The aperture 511 receives the proximal end 532 of the governor shaft 531. A fastener 130 fixes the main arm 501 and the auxiliary arm 502 to the governor shaft 531. The biasing member and the throttle linkage are not shown, but the biasing member and the throttle linkage are coupled to the auxiliary arm 502 in the same manner as in the linkage assembly 300.

[0147] The main arm 501 has a plurality of holes 510 to engage the biasing element 40 so that the governor lever 506 of the linkage assembly 500 can be used to bias the governor shaft 531 to the rest position. The main arm 501 also has a hole 516 for receiving the pivot member 407. Optionally, the hole 516 can be non-circular. In the present example, the hole 516 is generally square, as will be discussed in more detail below. The pivot member 407 extends into the hole 516 to couple the pivot member 407 to the main arm 501. The pivot member 407 and the hole 516 are located on an axis B-B extending perpendicular to the hole 516. Optionally, the auxiliary arm 502 can rotate relative to the main arm 501 about the axis B-B, and the axis B-B extends through the pivot member 407. Thus, the pivot member 407 allows the auxiliary arm 502 to rotate relative to the main arm 501.

[0148] The auxiliary arm 502 has a hole 529 that is located on the axis B-B and is configured to receive the pivot member 407. The hole 529 is generally square in shape. Thus, the auxiliary arm 502 can rotate relative to the main arm 501 about the axis B-B, and the axis B-B intersects the pivot member 407. The pivot member 407 is formed of a plastic material such as nylon, but can also be formed of metal or other materials. The pivot member 407 also serves as a biasing element. Thus, the arrangement of the pivot member 407 in combination with the holes 516, 529 allows the pivoting of the main arm 501 and the auxiliary arm 502. In addition, the pivot member 407 can also bias the auxiliary arm 502 relative to the main arm 501 about the axis B-B in a first rotational direction D1.

[0149] The first rotational direction D1 is the counterclockwise direction. In other embodiments, the first rotational direction D1 can be clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the desired configuration. In the case of the linkage assembly 500, the auxiliary arm 502 is preferably biased to a first position in which the auxiliary arm 502 rotates counterclockwise relative to the main arm 501. In other embodiments, the auxiliary arm 502 can be biased to a second position in which the auxiliary arm 502 rotates clockwise relative to the main arm 501.

[0150] The auxiliary arm 502 also has an aperture 521 and a plurality of holes 527. The plurality of holes 527 are for connecting the throttle link and the biasing element. The aperture 521 is shaped such that it receives the proximal end portion 532 of the governor shaft 531. The aperture 521 is also shaped to permit relative rotation of the auxiliary arm 502 relative to the main arm 501. Thus, the fastener 130 can be loosened, the correct relative orientation between the main arm 501 and the auxiliary arm 502 can be set, and the fastener 130 can be tightened in a manner that clamps the main arm 501 to the auxiliary arm 502 by means of the threads on the proximal end portion 532 of the governor shaft 531. Thus, the relative orientation of the governor shaft 531 relative to the throttle link and the throttle valve 21 can be set. This ensures a quick and reliable setting of the governor 30 during assembly or maintenance.

[0151] As can be seen, the aperture 521 sets the travel limit and defines a first position and a second position of the auxiliary arm 502 relative to the main arm 501. Thus, the aperture 521 of the auxiliary arm 502 serves to control the range of motion. Optionally, the aperture 521 and the aperture 511 can be exchanged such that the aperture 511 is located on the auxiliary arm 502 and the aperture 521 is located on the main arm 501. The aperture 521 can be a slot having a generally arcuate shape with straight or arcuate ends that define the travel limit of the auxiliary arm 502.

[0152] Figure 71 and Figure 72 The auxiliary arm 502 is shown in more detail. The auxiliary arm 502 incorporates a plurality of holes 527 for receiving the throttle link, a hole 529 for receiving the pivot member 407, and an aperture 521 for receiving the proximal end portion 532 of the governor shaft 531 while allowing an adjustment range between the main arm 501 and the auxiliary arm 502. The hole 529 has the square shape as described above. The hole 529 incorporates four sides 561, each of the sides 561 being sized to receive the protrusion 451 of the pivot member 407. The adjacent sides among the sides 561 are substantially perpendicular and terminate at corners 562 that have little or no radius deviation or other deviation from a sharp corner. Optionally, if desired, the corners 562 can include chamfers, radii, or other features. In an alternative configuration, the hole 529 can be in a cross-shaped or other shape suitable for receiving the protrusion 451 of the pivot member 407. The sides 561 prevent the pivot member 407 from rotating within the hole 529.

[0153] The orifice 521 has an arcuate inner wall 565, an arcuate outer wall 566, and a first side portion 567 and a second side portion 568 extending from the arcuate inner wall 565 to the arcuate outer wall 566. When the first side portion 567 and the second side portion 568 contact the proximal end portion 532 of the governor shaft 531, the first side portion 567 and the second side portion 568 restrict the movement of the auxiliary arm 502. An indicator 569 may be formed on the auxiliary arm 502 to indicate the position or orientation of the auxiliary arm 502 relative to the main arm 501. Optionally, one or more bends may be used to dispose the plurality of holes 527 in a plane different from the holes 529 and the orifice 521. This may be achieved for clearance reasons or may be implemented to better align the throttle linkage and increase the reliability of the linkage assembly 500. Additionally, a protrusion 563 may be formed on the auxiliary arm 502 to connect additional components. The protrusion 563 may have additional holes 564 or other features to hold biasing elements or linkages.

[0154] Steering Figure 73 and Figure 74 , shows the main arm 501 in more detail. The main arm 501 has a hole 516, an orifice 511, and a plurality of holes 510. The orifice 511 may be a slot having two arcuate sides and two flat sides, or the orifice 511 may be any other shape adapted to connect to the proximal end portion 532 of the governor shaft 531 in a non-rotatable manner. In other configurations, the orifice 511 may be D-shaped, or the orifice 511 may be splined or of other shapes. The main arm 501 also incorporates a plurality of protrusions 573. The protrusions 573 may be used for various purposes, including ensuring the correct orientation of the main arm 501 during assembly. The main arm 501 may be planar and have an elongate configuration. In other embodiments, the main arm 501 may be non-planar and L-shaped or of any other shape.

[0155] The main arm 501 also incorporates a plurality of graduations 570, which in combination with the indicator 569 of the auxiliary arm 502 can be used to indicate the current setting of the auxiliary arm 502 relative to the main arm 501. In other embodiments, the indicator 569 and the graduations 570 may be interchanged such that the indicator 569 is on the main arm 501 and the graduations 570 are on the auxiliary arm 502. In other configurations, other position indicating means may be used, or the indicator 569 and the graduations 570 may be omitted.

[0156] The hole 516 is in a generally square shape and has four side portions 571, each of which is substantially perpendicular to each adjacent side portion 571. A plurality of corner portions 572 are formed at intersections between adjacent side portions 571. The corner portions 572 are substantially sharp and have no obvious radius or chamfer. In other embodiments, the corner portions 572 may have chamfers or other features for engaging the protrusion 451 when the auxiliary arm 502 rotates relative to the main arm 501. Regardless of the shape of the corner portions 572, the protrusion 451 deflects in response to the relative rotation between the main arm 501 and the auxiliary arm 502, thereby providing a biasing torque that biases the auxiliary arm 502 in the first rotation direction D1.

[0157] The amount of the biasing torque can be adjusted by various factors including the stiffness of the protrusion 451 and the relative positioning of the side portion 571 of the main arm 501 with respect to the side portion 561 of the auxiliary arm 502. In other words, when the side portion 571 is parallel to the side portion 561, there is no biasing torque. The rotational position of the side portion 571 with respect to the side portion 561 must be set to obtain the desired biasing torque at both the first position and the second position of the auxiliary arm 502. The rotational angle between the side portion 561 and the side portion 571 can vary according to the desired biasing torque, the nature and geometry of the pivot member 407, and the desired range of motion.

[0158] Steering Figures 75 to 80 , showing a sixth embodiment of the linkage assembly 600. The linkage assembly 600 has a governor lever 606, which is shown coupled to a governor shaft 331 having a proximal end 332. The governor lever 606 has a main arm 601 and an auxiliary arm 602. The main arm 601 has an aperture 611. The aperture 611 receives the proximal end 332 of the governor shaft 331. Two fasteners 130 fix the main arm 601 and the auxiliary arm 602 to the governor shaft 331. The first of the fasteners 130 fixes the main arm 601 to the proximal end 332 of the governor shaft 331, and then the auxiliary arm 602 is clamped between the first of the fasteners 130 and the second of the fasteners 130. A biasing member and a throttle linkage are not shown, but the biasing member and the throttle linkage are coupled to the auxiliary arm 602 in the same manner as in the linkage assembly 300.

[0159] The main arm 601 has a plurality of holes 610 to engage the biasing element 40 so that the governor lever 606 of the linkage assembly 600 can be used to bias the governor shaft 331 to the rest position. The main arm 601 also has a hole 616 for receiving the pivot member 307. Optionally, the hole 616 can be non-circular. In the present example, the hole 616 is generally square, as will be discussed in more detail below. The pivot member 307 extends into the hole 616 to couple the pivot member 307 to the main arm 601. The pivot member 307 and the hole 616 are located on an axis B-B extending perpendicular to the hole 616. Optionally, the auxiliary arm 602 can rotate relative to the main arm 601 about the axis B-B, and the axis B-B extends through the pivot member 307. Thus, the pivot member 307 allows the auxiliary arm 602 to rotate relative to the main arm 601.

[0160] The auxiliary arm 602 has a hole 629 which is located on the axis B-B and is configured to receive the pivot member 307. The hole 629 is generally cross-shaped. Thus, the auxiliary arm 602 can rotate relative to the main arm 601 about the axis B-B, and the axis B-B intersects the pivot member 607. The pivot member 307 is formed of a metallic material such as spring steel, but can also be formed of plastic or other materials. The pivot member 307 also serves as a biasing element. Thus, the arrangement of the pivot member 307 in combination with the holes 616, 629 allows the main arm 601 and the auxiliary arm 602 to pivot. Additionally, the pivot member 307 can also bias the auxiliary arm 602 relative to the main arm 601 about the axis B-B in a first rotational direction D1.

[0161] The first rotational direction D1 is the counterclockwise direction. In other embodiments, the first rotational direction D1 can be clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the desired configuration. In the case of the linkage assembly 600, the auxiliary arm 602 is preferably biased to a first position in which the auxiliary arm 602 rotates counterclockwise relative to the main arm 601. In other embodiments, the auxiliary arm 602 can be biased to a second position in which the auxiliary arm 602 rotates clockwise relative to the main arm 601.

[0162] The auxiliary arm 602 also has a slot 621 and a plurality of holes 627. The plurality of holes 627 are for connecting the throttle link 303 and may optionally receive additional links or biasing elements as required. The slot 621 is shaped such that it receives the proximal end portion 332 of the governor shaft 331. The slot 621 is also shaped to permit relative rotation of the auxiliary arm 602 with respect to the main arm 601. Thus, the second fastener 130 described above can be loosened, the correct relative orientation between the main arm 601 and the auxiliary arm 602 can be set, and the fastener 130 can be tightened in such a manner as to clamp the main arm 601 to the auxiliary arm 602 by means of the threads on the proximal end portion 332 of the governor shaft 331. Thus, the relative orientation of the governor shaft 331 with respect to the throttle link 303 and the throttle valve 21 can be set. This ensures a quick and reliable setting of the governor 30 during assembly or maintenance.

[0163] As can be seen, the slot 621 sets a travel limit in one direction and defines a second position of the auxiliary arm 602 with respect to the main arm 601. Thus, the slot 621 in the auxiliary arm 602 is used to partially control the range of motion. Optionally, the slot 621 and the orifice 611 can be interchanged such that the orifice 611 is located on the auxiliary arm 602 and the slot 621 is located on the main arm 601. The slot 621 can be a slot having a generally arcuate shape that has an open end and straight or arcuate ends. The straight or arcuate ends define the travel limits of the auxiliary arm 602.

[0164] Figure 77 and Figure 78 The auxiliary arm 602 is shown in more detail. The auxiliary arm 602 incorporates a plurality of holes 627 for receiving the throttle link 303, a hole 629 for receiving the pivot member 307, and a slot 621 for receiving the proximal end portion 332 of the governor shaft 331 while allowing an adjustment range between the main arm 601 and the auxiliary arm 602. The hole 629 has the cross shape as described above. The hole 629 incorporates four notches 661, each of the notches 661 being sized to receive a protrusion 351 of the pivot member 307. The notches 661 terminate at corners 662 that isolate the notches 661 from each other. The notches 661 prevent the pivot member 307 from rotating within the hole 629.

[0165] The slot 621 has an arcuate inner wall 665 and an arcuate outer wall 666. A first lateral side 667 and a second opening side 668 extend from the arcuate inner wall 665 to the arcuate outer wall 666. When the first lateral side 667 contacts the proximal end 332 of the governor shaft 331, the first lateral side 667 restricts the movement of the auxiliary arm 602. Optionally, one or more bends can be used to position the plurality of holes 627 in a plane different from the holes 629 and the slot 621. This can be achieved for clearance reasons or can be implemented to better align the throttle link 303 and increase the reliability of the link assembly 600. As can be seen, bends can also be utilized to position the slot 621 and the holes 629 in different planes. This can be implemented to accommodate a fastener 130 that can be clamped between the main arm 601 and the auxiliary arm 602, or can be achieved for any other reason including clearance or improving the fit of the link assembly 600.

[0166] Steering Figure 79 and Figure 80 , shows the main arm 601 in more detail. The main arm 601 has a hole 616, an orifice 611, and a plurality of holes 610. The orifice 611 can be a slot having two arcuate sides and two flat sides, or the orifice 611 can be any other shape adapted to non-rotatably connect to the proximal end 332 of the governor shaft 331. In other configurations, the orifice 611 can be D-shaped, or the orifice 611 can be splined or of other shapes. The main arm 601 can be planar and have a generally L-shaped configuration. In other embodiments, the main arm 601 can be non-planar and elongate or of any other shape.

[0167] The hole 616 is generally square-shaped, having four sides 671, each side 671 being substantially perpendicular to each adjacent side 671. A plurality of protrusions 672 extend between adjacent sides 671. When the auxiliary arm 602 rotates relative to the main arm 601, the protrusions 672 engage the projections 351. The projections 351 deflect, thereby providing a biasing torque that biases the auxiliary arm 602 in a first rotational direction D1.

[0168] The amount of the biasing torque can be adjusted by various factors including the stiffness of the projections 351 and the relative positioning of the side 671 of the main arm 601 with respect to the notch 661 of the auxiliary arm 602. In other words, when the side 671 is parallel to the notch 661, there is no biasing torque. The rotational position of the side 671 with respect to the notch 661 must be set to achieve a desired biasing torque at the first and second positions of the auxiliary arm 602. The rotational angle between the notch 661 and the side 671 can vary depending on the desired biasing torque, the nature and geometry of the pivot member 307, and the desired range of motion.

[0169] SteeringFigures 81 to 86 In [description], a seventh embodiment of the connecting rod assembly 700 is shown. The connecting rod assembly 700 has a governor lever 706, which is shown as being coupled to a governor shaft 331 having a proximal end 332. The governor lever 706 has a main arm 701 and an auxiliary arm 702. The main arm 701 has an aperture 711. The aperture 711 receives the proximal end 332 of the governor shaft 331. A first fastener 130 secures the main arm 701 to the governor shaft 331. A second fastener 130 secures the auxiliary arm 701 to the main arm 701. A biasing member and a throttle link are not shown, but the biasing member and the throttle link are coupled to the auxiliary arm 702 in the same manner as in the connecting rod assembly 300.

[0170] The main arm 701 has a plurality of holes 710 to engage a biasing element 40 so that the governor lever 706 of the connecting rod assembly 700 can be used to bias the governor shaft 331 to a rest position. The main arm 701 also has a hole 716 that receives a pivot member 307. Optionally, the hole 716 can be non-circular. In this example, the hole 716 is generally square, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0171] The pivot member 307 extends into the hole 716 to couple the pivot member 307 to the main arm 701. The pivot member 307 and the hole 716 are located on an axis B-B that extends perpendicular to the hole 716. Optionally, the auxiliary arm 702 can rotate relative to the main arm 701 about the axis B-B, and the axis B-B extends through the pivot member 307. Thus, the pivot member 307 allows the auxiliary arm 702 to rotate relative to the main arm 701. The main arm 701 also has a hole 715 that receives a fastener 130 such as a bolt. Optionally, the hole 715 can be a threaded hole or can be a plain hole. In other configurations, the hole 715 can be replaced by a stud, a threaded projection, or a pin that can receive the fastener 130. The hole 715 receives the fastener 130, and the fastener 130 couples the main arm 701 to the auxiliary arm 702 and allows setting the relative position between the main arm 701 and the auxiliary arm 702.

[0172] The auxiliary arm 702 has a hole 729 that is located on the axis B-B and is configured to receive the pivot member 307. The hole 729 is generally cross-shaped. Thus, the auxiliary arm 702 can rotate relative to the main arm 701 about the axis B-B, and the axis B-B intersects the pivot member 307. The pivot member 307 is formed of a metallic material such as spring steel, but can also be formed of plastic or other materials. The pivot member 307 also serves as a biasing element. Thus, the arrangement of the pivot member 307 in combination with the holes 716, 729 allows the main arm 701 and the auxiliary arm 702 to pivot. Additionally, the pivot member 307 can also bias the auxiliary arm 702 relative to the main arm 701 about the axis B-B in a first rotational direction D1.

[0173] The first rotation direction D1 is counterclockwise. In other embodiments, the first rotation direction D1 can be clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the desired configuration. In the case of the linkage assembly 700, the auxiliary arm 702 is preferably biased to a first position in which the auxiliary arm 702 rotates counterclockwise relative to the main arm 701. In other embodiments, the auxiliary arm 702 can be biased to a second position in which the auxiliary arm 702 rotates clockwise relative to the main arm 701.

[0174] The auxiliary arm 702 also has an aperture 721 and a plurality of holes 727. The plurality of holes 727 are for connecting the throttle linkage and can optionally receive additional linkages or biasing elements as needed. The aperture 721 is shaped such that it receives the fastener 130, as described above. The aperture 721 is also shaped to allow relative rotation of the auxiliary arm 702 relative to the fastener 130. Thus, the fastener 130 described above can be loosened, the correct relative orientation between the main arm 701 and the auxiliary arm 702 can be set, and the fastener 130 can be tightened in a manner that clamps the main arm 701 to the auxiliary arm 702. Thus, the relative orientation of the governor shaft 331 relative to the throttle linkage 303 and the throttle valve 21 can be set. This ensures a quick and reliable setup of the governor 30 during assembly or maintenance.

[0175] As can be seen, the aperture 721 sets the travel limits and defines the first and second positions of the auxiliary arm 702 relative to the main arm 701. Thus, the aperture 721 of the auxiliary arm 702 is used to control the range of motion. The aperture 721 can be a slot having a generally arcuate shape with straight or arcuate ends that define the travel limits of the auxiliary arm 702.

[0176] Figure 83 and 84 The auxiliary arm 702 is shown in more detail. The auxiliary arm 702 incorporates a plurality of holes 727 for receiving the throttle linkage 303, a hole 729 for receiving the pivot member 307, and an aperture 721 for receiving the proximal end 332 of the governor shaft 331 while allowing an adjustment range between the main arm 701 and the auxiliary arm 702. The hole 729 has the cross shape as described above. The hole 729 includes four notches 761, each of the notches 761 being sized to receive a protrusion 351 of the pivot member 307. The notches 761 terminate at corners 762 that isolate the notches 761 from each other. The notches 761 prevent the pivot member 307 from rotating within the hole 729.

[0177] The orifice 721 has an arcuate inner wall 765, an arcuate outer wall 766, and a first lateral side 767 and a second lateral side 768 extending from the arcuate inner wall 765 to the arcuate outer wall 766. When the first lateral side 767 and the second lateral side 768 contact the proximal end 332 of the governor shaft 331, the first lateral side 767 and the second lateral side 768 constrain the movement of the auxiliary arm 702. An indicator 769 may be formed on the auxiliary arm 702 to indicate the position or orientation of the auxiliary arm 702 relative to the main arm 701. Optionally, one or more bends may be used to dispose the plurality of holes 727 in a plane different from the holes 729 and the orifice 721. This may be achieved for clearance reasons or may be implemented to better align the throttle link 303 and increase the reliability of the link assembly 700.

[0178] Steering Figure 85 and Figure 86 In, the main arm 701 is shown in more detail. The main arm 701 has a hole 716, an orifice 711, a plurality of holes 710, and a hole 715. The orifice 711 may be a slot having two arcuate sides and two flat sides, or the orifice 711 may have any other shape adapted to non-rotatably connect to the proximal end 332 of the governor shaft 331. In other configurations, the orifice 711 may be D-shaped, or the orifice 711 may be splined or other shapes. The main arm 701 may be planar and have a generally L-shaped configuration. In other embodiments, the main arm 701 may be non-planar and elongated or have any other shape.

[0179] The main arm 701 is also incorporated with a plurality of graduations 770, which in combination with the indicator 769 of the auxiliary arm 702 can be used to indicate the current setting of the auxiliary arm 702 relative to the main arm 701. In other embodiments, the indicator 769 and the graduations 770 may be interchanged such that the indicator 769 is on the main arm 701 and the graduations 770 are on the auxiliary arm 702. In other configurations, other position indicating means may be used, or the indicator 369 and the graduations 770 may be omitted.

[0180] The hole 716 is generally square-shaped, having four sides 771, each side 771 being substantially perpendicular to each adjacent side 771. A plurality of protrusions 772 extend between adjacent sides 771. When the auxiliary arm 702 rotates relative to the main arm 701, the protrusions 772 engage the protrusions 351. The protrusions 351 deflect, thereby providing a biasing torque that biases the auxiliary arm 702 in a first rotational direction D1.

[0181] The amount of the biasing torque can be adjusted by various factors including the stiffness of the protrusion 351 and the relative positioning of the side portion 771 of the main arm 701 with respect to the notch 761 of the auxiliary arm 702. In other words, when the side portion 771 is parallel to the notch 761, there is no biasing torque. The rotational position of the side portion 771 with respect to the notch 761 must be set to achieve a desired biasing torque at the first and second positions of the auxiliary arm 702. The rotational angle between the notch 761 and the side portion 771 can vary according to the desired biasing torque, the nature and geometry of the pivot member 307, and the desired range of motion.

[0182] While the foregoing description and drawings represent examples of the present invention, it should be understood that various additions, modifications, and substitutions can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the equivalents of the appended claims. In particular, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced in other forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, dimensions, and can utilize other elements, materials, and components without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the present invention. Additionally, various changes can be made to the applicable methods / processes described herein without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will also understand that the present invention can be used with many modifications in structure, arrangement, proportion, dimension, material, and components, and in the practice of the present invention, these modifications are particularly suitable for specific environments and operating requirements without departing from the principles of the present invention. Accordingly, the presently disclosed examples are considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents and is not limited to the foregoing description or examples. On the contrary, the appended claims should be construed broadly to include other variations of the present invention that can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and scope of the equivalents of the present invention.

Claims

1. An engine, comprising: A governor, the governor including a governor shaft; A link assembly, the link assembly including: A governor lever, the governor lever including a main arm, an auxiliary arm, and a fastener, the main arm being movably coupled to the auxiliary arm, and the fastener being configured to limit movement between the main arm and the auxiliary arm, and at least one of the main arm and the auxiliary arm being coupled to the governor shaft; A throttle link; Wherein, the governor lever is capable of moving from a first position in which the governor shaft is in a first orientation relative to the throttle link to a second position in which the governor shaft is in a second orientation relative to the throttle link, and when the governor lever is switched from the first position to the second position, the main arm moves relative to the auxiliary arm; and Wherein, the fastener is coupled to the governor shaft, and the fastener prevents rotational movement between the main arm and the governor shaft.

2. The engine according to claim 1, wherein, Both the main arm and the auxiliary arm are coupled to the governor shaft.

3. The engine according to claim 1, wherein, The main arm is coupled to the governor shaft.

4. The engine according to claim 1, wherein, The fastener fixes the main arm to the auxiliary arm.

5. The engine according to claim 1, wherein, The link assembly further includes a pivot member; and wherein, the auxiliary arm rotates relative to the main arm about an axis that intersects the pivot member.

6. The engine according to claim 5, wherein, The auxiliary arm is biased about the axis in a first rotational direction.

7. The engine according to claim 1, wherein, The link assembly further includes a biasing element.

8. The engine according to claim 1, further comprising a pivot member that biases the auxiliary arm in the first rotational direction.

9. The engine according to claim 1, wherein, The main arm is non-rotatably coupled to the governor shaft.

10. An engine, comprising: A governor, the governor including a governor shaft; A link assembly, the link assembly including: A governor lever, the governor lever including a main arm, an auxiliary arm, and a fastener, the main arm being movably coupled to the auxiliary arm, and the fastener being configured to limit movement between the main arm and the auxiliary arm, the main arm being coupled to the governor shaft; A throttle link; Wherein, the governor lever is capable of moving from a first position in which the governor shaft is in a first orientation relative to the throttle link to a second position in which the governor shaft is in a second orientation relative to the throttle link, and when the governor lever is switched from the first position to the second position, the main arm moves relative to the auxiliary arm; and Wherein, the auxiliary arm includes a slot that allows the auxiliary arm to move relative to the main arm; and wherein the governor shaft extends through the slot in the auxiliary arm.

11. A link assembly for an engine, the link assembly including: A governor lever, the governor lever including a main arm, an auxiliary arm, a fastener, and a pivot member, the main arm being movably coupled to the auxiliary arm during an installation period, and the fastener being configured to limit movement between the main arm and the auxiliary arm during a period after the installation period; And A throttle link; Wherein, the auxiliary arm is capable of moving from a first position relative to the main arm to a second position relative to the main arm during the installation period; and Wherein, the auxiliary arm is configured to rotate relative to the main arm about the pivot member during the installation period, and the fastener is configured to prevent relative movement between the main arm and the auxiliary arm during a period after the installation period.

12. The connecting rod assembly for an engine according to claim 11, wherein, The fastener fixes the main arm to the auxiliary arm.

13. The connecting rod assembly for an engine according to claim 11, wherein, The auxiliary arm rotates relative to the main arm about an axis that intersects the pivot member.

14. The connecting rod assembly for an engine according to claim 13, wherein, The auxiliary arm is biased about the axis in a first rotational direction.

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