Abstract: A control system for manipulating operation of an engine of a portable engine powered device includes a choke and primer control that simplifies starting of the engine. The control system includes a dial that is associated with a choke control to effectuate choking of the engine during starting of the engine. The control system includes a primer control that is configured to provide an initial fuel charge to the engine. Preferably, the control system includes a single input that effectuates both the choke and primer operations associated with starting the engine. Preferably, the dial is moveable in a rotational direction to effectuate the choking operation and is movable in a longitudinal or axial direction to effectuate the priming operation such that user interaction with only the single input effectuates the sequence of the engine starting fuel control.

Abstract: A method of controlling operation of a variable speed, constant frequency generator system is disclosed. During operation, loads may be added to or removed from the output of the generator system. A controller monitors the power output by the generator system and detects a change in the output power exceeding a predefined threshold. The change indicates the addition of a large electrical load. The controller quickly detects the change in power output and activates a relay to disconnect the load from the generator system. The controller then accelerates the engine of the generator system to maximum speed and reconnects the load to the output of the generator system.

Abstract: A single control for manipulating a fuel valve, a choke condition, and an ignition system condition of an engine of a portable engine powered device that simplifies starting, stopping, and operation of the engine associated with use of the device. The control includes a dial that can be rotated to positions between a first radial position and a second radial position. When the dial is in the first radial position, the fuel valve is maintained in a closed position and the ignition system is grounded such that the engine is rendered inoperable. Rotation of the dial away from the first radial position completes the ignition circuit, opens valve, and initiates a choke position suitable for subsequent starting and self-sustained operation of the engine. The dial is also axially displaceable to activate an electronic starter for engines so equipped.

Abstract: A load management apparatus for use with an electrical system being powered by an electrical generator selectively adds and sheds loads on the electrical generator to prevent overloading of the electrical generator. The load management apparatus learns the load profile for each load during a learning mode and executes one or more load shed processes to control which electrical loads are loading the electrical generator.

Abstract: A system for connecting a single-phase generator in parallel with an inverter is disclosed. A signal corresponding to the angular position of the rotor in the generator is provided to the inverter, for example, from an angular position sensor connected to the rotor in the generator. Because variations in the load applied to the generator cause variations in the frequency of the power output by the generator, the inverter synchronizes the phase angle of the voltage output by the inverter to the angular position of the rotor.

Abstract: A generator system configured to be connected in parallel with other generators is disclosed. The generator system includes an alternator having a stator with an output winding and a quadrature winding and a rotor with a three-phase winding. The rotor of the alternator is rotatably driven by an engine having a controller to regulate the engine speed. An inverter receives power from the quadrature winding and generates an AC voltage for the rotor winding. The inverter receives an input corresponding to the voltage on the output winding of the stator and also receives an input corresponding to the phase angle of a second AC voltage produced by another power source. The inverter controls the frequency of the AC voltage for the rotor winding such that the phase angle of the voltage on the output winding of the stator is synchronized to the phase angle of the second AC voltage.

Abstract: A wireless annunciator for an electrical generator displays data regarding operation of the electrical generator to provide feedback to a remote observer regarding performance of the electrical generator in meeting the demands placed thereon. The wireless annunciator wirelessly receives transmissions from one or more wireless modules and displays information based on the data contained in the transmissions. The wireless modules may be associated with sensors, for example, that measure various performance parameters of the electrical generator, such as current draw, fuel level, fuel pressure, and the like. A load management controller can communicate with one or more load-side modules, either wirelessly or across wired links, to control operation of one or more loads to avoid overloading of the electrical generator.

Abstract: A fuel mixer is provided that delivers a mixture of a gaseous fuel and air to an internal combustion engine by way of multi-stage operation by way of sequentially actuated primary and secondary throttle valves. The fuel mixer may include primary and secondary venturies that are defined within primary and secondary venturi tubes. The secondary venturi tube may be longitudinally aligned with an outlet of the fuel mixer. The primary venturi tube may be arranged at an angle with respect to the secondary venturi tube and the outlet of the fuel mixer.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly and method of forming an adjustable spray pattern nozzle assembly that is usable with pressure washing systems includes a first body and a second body that are positionally secured relative to one another. The first body includes a fixed shaped orifice that defines the exit of a fluid spray from the nozzle assembly. The second body is disposed upstream of the first body and includes a pressure dependent variable shape orifice. The second body is formed of a resilient material that allows flexure of the second body in response to pressure of the fluid flow. Flexure of the second body manipulates the shape of the variable shape orifice and thereby allows the nozzle assembly to provide various spray patterns without user manipulation of the nozzle assembly.

Abstract: A foaming nozzle assembly and method of forming a foaming nozzle useable with pressure washing systems that includes a tube and a cover that cooperates with the tube. An interior surface of the tube defines a fluid path having by a first restriction, a second restriction, and an expansion chamber between the restrictions. An air path is defined between the cover and tube and fluidly connects the expansion chamber to atmosphere for introducing air to fluid associated with the fluid path. An atomizer is disposed downstream of the restrictions and expansion chamber and mixes the fluid and air to generate foam upon discharge of the mixture from the nozzle assembly.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly and method of forming an adjustable spray pattern nozzle assembly includes a mount body, a nozzle body, and a collar that movably cooperates with the mount body. The mount body is constructed to cooperate with a discharge end of a wand and such that the nozzle body can be captured between the mount body and the collar. The nozzle body defines an uninterruptible fluid flow path through the nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly includes an interruptible fluid flow path that is defined by a positional relationship between the nozzle body and the collar. The collar movably cooperates with the mount body to allow the selective combination of flows associated with the uninterruptible and interruptible flow paths to manipulate the spray pattern generated by the nozzle assembly.

Abstract: A pressure washing system that includes a pump configured to generate a pressurized fluid stream and a wand that is connectable to the pressurized discharge of the pump. The wand includes a trigger and a nozzle that are exposed to the pressurized fluid path. The wand includes a treatment fluid path that is isolated from the pump pressurized fluid path. A reservoir configured to receive a treatment agent is disposed in the treatment fluid path and is connected between the water source and an outlet proximate the nozzle. A control is connected to the wand proximate the trigger to allow selective introduction of treatment agent contained in the reservoir to be introduced into the pressurized fluid flow downstream of the nozzle.

Abstract: A control system for manipulating operation of an engine of a portable engine powered device includes a choke and primer control that simplifies starting of the engine. The control system includes a dial that is associated with a choke control to effectuate choking of the engine during starting of the engine. The control system includes a primer control that is configured to provide an initial fuel charge to the engine. Preferably, the control system includes a single input that effectuates both the choke and primer operations associated with starting the engine. Preferably, the dial is moveable in a rotational direction to effectuate the choking operation and is movable in a longitudinal or axial direction to effectuate the priming operation such that user interaction with only the single input effectuates the sequence of the engine starting fuel control.

Abstract: A load control module is provided for use with a transfer switch apparatus that controls the delivery of standby electrical power to a load during utility power interruption. The load control module selectively brings loads online to receive standby electrical power to prevent overloading of the electric generator that is providing the standby electrical power. The frequency of the electrical power is also monitored and if a low frequency condition is detected, loads are taken offline (shed). A method to flag those loads that induce an overload condition is also provided.

Abstract: An electrical generator has an engine that provides a mechanical output that is converted to electrical current by an alternator. The engine is started by a battery-powered motor starter. The battery is charged during running of the electrical generator by a portion of the electrical current output by the alternator. The battery is charged according to a charging profile based on the temperature of the battery at start up of the electrical generator.

Abstract: A transfer switch enclosure is provided for housing a transfer switch that selectively connects a load to either a utility electrical grid or a stand-by electrical generator. The utility connection includes a first switch selectively connecting utility power to a load. The transfer switch selectively connects the load to either the utility power or a secondary power source. The housing includes a divider panel, providing two separate chambers in the housing. The utility connection is mounted in one of the chambers and the transfer switch is mounted in the other of the chambers. The divider panel includes an opening to permit a pair of electrical conductors to pass therethrough for connecting the utility switch to the transfer switch. The housing further includes two door panels, each door panel covering one of the two chambers. Each door panel is independently operable and securable, controlling access to each of the two chambers.

Abstract: A load control module is provided for use with a transfer switch apparatus that controls the delivery of standby electrical power to a load during utility power interruption. The load control module selectively brings loads online to receive standby electrical power to prevent overloading of the electric generator that is providing the standby electrical power. The frequency of the electrical power is also monitored and if a low frequency condition is detected, loads are taken offline (shed). A method to flag those loads that induce an overload condition is also provided.

Abstract: A method of controlling an engine-driven, electrical generator is provided. The generator generates an output voltage at a frequency with the engine running at an operating speed. The method includes the steps of connecting the generator to a load and varying the operating speed of the engine to optimize fuel consumption in response to the load. Thereafter, the frequency of the output voltage is modified to a predetermined level.

Abstract: An automatic transfer switch apparatus for use with a standalone generator, for supplying emergency power to a residence or small business. The automatic transfer switch apparatus is configured to sense a utility line failure, start up and stabilize the generator, and switch over the household circuits from the utility to the generator, and switch back when the utility recovers.

Abstract: A generator structure is provided for generating an AC power for a load. The generator structure includes a generator connectable to a load and an engine operatively connected to the generator for driving the same. A generator controller is operatively connected to the engine for controlling operation thereof and operatively connected to a generator for controlling the AC power generated thereby. A communications link connects the generator control to a network.