Abstract: A lawn mower includes an engine, an energy storage device, a motor/generator including an output shaft, an engine coupling, wherein, with the engine coupling disengaged, the motor/generator drives the output shaft, and with the engine coupling engaged, the engine or both the motor/generator and the engine drive the output shaft, a mower blade, a power take-off clutch, and a control unit configured to implement a first operating condition in which the engine coupling is disengaged, the engine is off, and the output shaft is driven by the motor/generator, and configured to implement a second operating condition in which the engine coupling is engaged, the engine is on, the output shaft is driven by the engine or both the motor/generator and the engine.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide an independent suspension system coupled to a main-frame of ride-on equipment including a subframe coupled to the main frame with a pivot including a pivot axis. Some embodiments include a transaxle assembly supported on the subframe coupled to a drive wheel, and a power source supported on the main frame coupled to the transaxle assembly. A rider can control the transaxle assembly with a compensated control linkage assembly that can compensate for movement of the subframe. Some embodiments include driven pulleys, idler pulleys and backside idler pulleys supported by the subframe coupled to the power source not supported by the subframe. In some embodiments, the pivot axis resides between the power source and the transaxle assembly. In some embodiments, the drive wheel can be driven by an electric motor supported by the subframe and the power source can be a battery.

Abstract: A method and system for managing electrical loads on a standby generator. The method includes utilizing a transfer switch control to selectively shed loads each associated with one of a series of priority circuits. Priority values are initially assigned to each of the electric loads based upon the initial hard-wired connection of the electric loads to a main breaker panel during set up. The control unit of a transfer switch allows the user to reassign priority values to each of the electric loads based upon a user preference. The control unit includes one or more predefined priority assignment programs that can be selected to modify the priority values assigned to the electric loads.

Abstract: A method and system for managing loads powered by a standby generator. The method includes utilizing a transfer switch control unit to selectively shed loads each associated with one of a series of priority circuits. The control unit selects the loads to shed from the generator based upon various different calculations such that the loads are shed in the least objectionable manner to the home owner. Once loads have been shed, the control unit determines whether any of the shed loads can be reconnected to the generator without exceeding the rating of the generator. The system and method allows the control units to selectively connect and disconnect priority loads to optimize the operation of the control unit to selectively shed and connect priority loads.

Abstract: A blower system for an engine includes a base of a blower scroll coupled to an engine crankcase. The base has a bottom wall with an opening sized to accommodate an end of a crankshaft. The base also has a sidewall extending away from the crankcase. The blower system further includes a blower housing fastened to the base, without the use of threaded fasteners. Together the blower housing and the base form a chamber having an inlet and an outlet. Also, the blower system includes a fan within the chamber. The fan is driven by the crankshaft and is designed to direct a flow of air through the outlet of the chamber.

Abstract: An engine includes a crankcase defining an interior volume for containing lubricant, a fill apparatus including a fill passage and a cap removably coupled to the fill passage, the fill passage defining a main conduit through which the lubricant is provided to the interior volume, a visual interface including an indicator movable in response to an amount of the lubricant in the interior volume to indicate different amounts of the lubricant in the interior volume, a float configured to float on a surface of the lubricant, and a float rod coupling the float to the indicator so that movement of the float in response to changes in the amount of the lubricant in the interior volume causes movement of the indicator.

Abstract: A walk behind mower is configured to be stored in a vertical position or orientation. In one implementation, the mower disables a brake release based upon positioning of a handle. In one implementation, the mower facilitates oil changes while the mower is in the vertical orientation.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes an internal combustion engine, an electric motor configured to start the engine, a blade driven by the engine, and an assembly for stopping at least one of the blade and the engine. The assembly includes a brake mechanism, a release mechanism movable to an engaged position to release the brake mechanism, an interlock configured to selectively prevent the release mechanism from moving to the engaged position, and an interface allowing an operator to release the interlock to allow the release mechanism to move to the engaged position. The lawn mower further includes a switch actuated by the release mechanism and a control module coupled to the switch so that the switch provides a signal to the control module when the release mechanism is in the engaged position and the control module turns on the electric motor in response to the signal to start the engine.

Abstract: A fuel injection system includes a fuel tank configured to contain fuel, an injector fluidly connected to the fuel tank by a flow path, a pump disposed along the flow path and configured to deliver fuel to the injector, and a vapor relief passage in fluid communication with the flow path and the fuel tank. The vapor relief passage is fluidly connected to the flow path at an opening and allows vaporized fuel to return to the fuel tank from the flow path.

Abstract: A generator having an electronic governor for controlling the speed of an engine to generate an output voltage from an alternator is disclosed. The generator includes an alternator coupled to an engine to generate an output voltage. The variable speed of the engine allows the alternator to generate a variable output voltage. An electronic governor monitors a time period between voltage benchmarks on the output voltage. The electronic governor compares the monitored time period to a reference time period and adjusts the position of the throttle based upon the comparison between the monitored time period and the reference time period. The reference time period is set based upon the desired output voltage frequency.

Abstract: A carburetor includes a body having an inner wall and an air/fuel passageway. An insert includes a base having a shape that closely matches the inner wall and a first tower having a first end disposed within the air/fuel passageway. A main circuit passageway is at least partially formed within the first tower and has a first end in fluid communication with the air/fuel passageway and a second end in fluid communication with the fuel bowl chamber. The main circuit passageway carries fuel from the fuel bowl chamber to the air/fuel passageway during engine operation when the throttle valve is opened. A second tower has a first end coupled to the base and a second end spaced away from the base. The first end of the first tower, the second end of the second tower, and the base are the sole engagement points between the insert and the body.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pulley system includes spin-forming metal to form an annular wall of a sheave, pressing powdered metal to form a hub of the sheave, and fastening together the annular wall and the hub.