Abstract: An automatic transfer switch apparatus for use with a stand-alone 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. The transfer switches incorporate motor-driven switch interlock mechanisms in several embodiments, as well as various operational features.

Abstract: A fuel selection device is provided for allowing a user to connect the cylinders of an internal combustion engine to a user-selected fuel source. The fuel selection device includes a housing that defines a cavity for receiving a moveable selector therein. The selector defining first, second, third and fourth flow paths. The first and second flow paths are used for flowing a first type (e.g., natural gas) of fuel from a fuel source to the cylinders of the engine. The second and fourth flow paths are used for flowing a second type of fuel (e.g., liquid propane vapor) from a fuel source to the cylinder. The selector is movable between a first position wherein first and second cylinders communicate with the first and second flow paths, respectively, and a second position wherein the first and second cylinders communicate with the second flow path and fourth flow paths, respectively.

Abstract: A method and device is provided for regulating the air-fuel mixture provided to an engine of a stand-by electrical generator during the exercise thereof. The engine is exercised at a predetermined speed less than the normal operating speed of the engine and each cylinder receives an air-fuel mixture having an air component and a fuel component. To exercise the engine, the air component and the fuel component in the air-fuel mixture provided to the engine is reduced. In addition, the volume of the air-fuel mixture provided to each cylinder of the engine is balanced.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is provided for dissipating heat from a fluid. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of stacked pairs of plates. Each pair of plates includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate extends along a first axis and has first and second sides. The first side of the first plate has a generally sinusoidal recess therein that extends along the first axis. The second plate extends along a second axis and has first and second sides. The first side of the second plate has a generally sinusoidal recess therein that extends along the second axis and that is out of phase with the sinusoidal recesses in the first side of the first plate. The first side of the first plate and the first side of the second plate form a mating relationship with each other such that the recess in the first side of the first plate communicates with the recess in the first side of the second plate at a plurality of axially spaced locations.

Abstract: A method is provided for exercising an engine-driven, electrical generator. The generator has a first operation mode wherein the generator generates a predetermined output voltage at a predetermined frequency with the engine running a predetermined operating speed and a second exercise mode. The method includes the step of running the engine at a predetermined exercise speed with the generator in the exercise mode. The predetermined exercise speed is in the range of 40% to 70% of the predetermined operating speed of the engine. In addition, in the exercise mode, the generator generates an exercise voltage that is less than the predetermined output voltage.

Abstract: A transfer switch is provided for transferring the supply of electrical power to a load between a utility source and a generator that generates electrical power when started. The transfer switch includes a transfer relay that selectively connects the load to one of the utility source and the generator in response to the application of electrical power on the coil of the transfer relay by the generator. A generator relay having a coil operatively connected to the utility source is also provided. The generator relay provides a signal to the generator to start in response to the absence of electrical power on the coil of the generator relay by the utility source.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for facilitating the cooling of engine coolant flowing through a radiator operatively connected to the engine of an engine-driven, electrical generator set. The engine has a crankshaft rotatable about a first axis and a radiator having a first side directed towards the engine and a second side. The apparatus includes a fan positionable on the second side of the radiator that is rotatable about a second axis generally parallel to and vertically spaced from the first axis. The apparatus includes a thermally responsive clutch having a driven portion. The clutch is movable between a first disengaged position wherein the driven portion is isolated from the crankshaft and a second engaged position wherein the driven portion rotates in unison with the crankshaft in response to a predetermined temperature. A fan drive system interconnects the driven portion of the clutch and the fan for translating rotation of the driven portion to the fan.

Abstract: A method is provided for cooling an engine driven, electrical generator set and for reducing the fan noise associated with operation of the same. The method includes positioning a fan on the first side of the radiator. The temperature adjacent a first side of the radiator is monitored and the fan is rotated in response to the temperature of the air on the first side of the radiator exceeding a threshold. The fan urges air through the radiator in order to cool the engine coolant flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A method is provided for facilitating the cooling of engine coolant flowing through a radiator operatively connected to the engine. The method includes the steps of monitoring the temperature of the engine coolant flowing through the radiator and positioning a fan adjacent the radiator. The fan is initially rotated at a predetermined speed. Thereafter, the speed of the fan is varied in response to the temperature of the engine coolant.

Abstract: An air flow structure is provided for controlling the flow of air through an enclosure of a generator. The enclosure has first and second opposite ends and the generator includes an alternator and an engine driving the alternator. A first air flow generator draws ambient air into the chamber through the first end of the enclosure and directs the first portion of air in the chamber across the engine. A second air flow generator draws a second portion of the air over the alternator, and thereafter, combines the first portion of air directed over the engine and the second portion of air drawn over the alternator. The second air flow generator urges the combined air from the enclosure through the second end thereof.

Abstract: A fuel mixer box is provided for supplying a fuel mixture to each cylinder of an engine. The fuel mixer box includes a housing defining a chamber for receiving combustion gases generated by the engine during the operation thereof. Input conduits have inputs connectable to a fuel source for receiving fuel therefrom and outputs. Output conduits have inputs communicating with the outputs of corresponding input conduits and outputs connectable to corresponding cylinders of the engine. In addition, the output conduits communicate with the chamber to receive combustion gases to be mixed with the fuel to provide the fuel mixture. In addition, fuel may be supplied directly to the output conduits through corresponding venturis within the housing.

Abstract: An air intake screen is provided for deflecting foreign matter away from an air intake passageway of a lawnmower. The lawnmower includes an engine that draws air through the air intake passageway during the operation thereof. The air intake screen includes a central hub and a disc-shaped member projecting therefrom. The disc-shaped member terminates at an outer periphery and includes first and second sides. Apertures extend through the member for allowing for the flow of air therethrough. A deflection rib projects from the first side of a member to engage the debris carried by the air drawn towards the air intake passageway of the engine and deflects the debris away from the air intake screen.

Abstract: A deflector is provided for deflecting foreign matter from the inlet screen of a rotary lawn motor. The rotary lawn motor has an engine that draws air through the inlet screen. The deflector includes an inner element positionable over a center portion of the inlet screen. A first outer element is positioned over a radially outer portion of the inlet screen. A deflection arm extends between the inner element and the first outer element to deflect the foreign matter away from the inlet screen during operation of the lawnmower.

Abstract: A relay is provided for a transfer mechanism which transfers power between a utility source and a stand-by electrical generator. The relay incorporates contacts formed from two distinct materials. A backing portion of each contact is formed from copper and a contacting portion is deposited on the backing portion. The contacting portion is formed from tungsten. The arrangement of the contact minimizes the potential for failure of the transfer mechanism when the transfer mechanism is exposed to significant current and/or heating during operation thereof.

Abstract: A grass-cutting tractor has an internal combustion engine, an apparatus which changes engine speed, and a generator. The apparatus includes a user-manipulated mechanism having a plurality of operating positions. Two of the operating positions are each identified by different grass-related mnemonics, e.g., NORMAL, HEAVY, MEDIUM, HIGH, REGULAR or TALL, which relate to the height of the grass to be cut and one of the positions corresponds to operation of the generator.

Abstract: A fan drive arrangement and method is provided for facilitating the cooling of engine coolant flowing through a radiator and an engine. The fan drive arrangement includes a variable pitch sheave assembly which moves between a first high speed position and a second low speed position. Variable pitch sheave assembly is interconnected by first and second drive belts to first and second drive pulleys operatively connected to the crankshaft of the engine and by first and second fan belts to corresponding fan pulleys connected to a fan shaft of a fan. Variable pitch sheave assembly includes first and second drive belt receiving grooves for receiving corresponding drive belts therein and first and second fan belt grooves for receiving corresponding fan belts therein. The depths of the fan belt grooves and the drive belt grooves of the variable pitch sheave assembly are varied in response to the temperature of the engine coolant flowing through the radiator so as to vary the fan speed accordingly.

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.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a system controller and method for monitoring and controlling a plurality of generator sets are provided. Each generator set generates electrical power and includes a generator communications link for connecting a generator set to a network. A user interface allows a user to select a generator set and set values for various predetermined operating parameters of the selected generator sets. Thereafter, a communications link connectable to the network transmits the user set values of the predetermined operating parameters to the selected generator set.