US Patent 7168423 Gas sensor units for engines

In a multipurpose engine with a reduced or limited displacement adapted for use in a portable work machine or the like, the engine includes a detecting element of a gas sensor for controlling an air-fuel ratio. Damage or degradation of the detecting element due to vibration from the engine is reduced or eliminated. To achieve this, a supporting device having a vibration-damping-function is provided for supporting the gas sensor or the gas sensor unit containing the gas sensor. The supporting device permits the gas sensor or the gas sensor unit to move by an amount equal to or less than a predetermined extent of movement of the engine, so that the transmission of vibration from the engine directly to the gas sensor is reduced or eliminated.