Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine that utilizes a single primary coil and a single secondary coil to drive a pair of spark plugs. Current flowing in both a first direction and a second direction passes through the primary coil. The current flowing through the primary coil induces corresponding current in the secondary coil, which flows from the secondary coil to one of two spark plugs. Each spark plug is coupled to the secondary coil such that each of the two spark plugs receives current flowing only in a single direction. The current flowing through the ignition system can be from either a power source or created by the rotation of a flywheel having a series of magnet clusters.

Abstract: An electric starting system for an internal combustion engine is provided. The starting system includes a battery, a starter motor, and a blower housing. The starter motor is configured to start the internal combustion engine. The battery is integrated with the blower housing.

Abstract: A system and method for independent suspension for a mower, including a frame having a front structural member and respective side structural members, a first front wheel assembly, and a second front wheel assembly. The system also includes a first suspension arm pair having a first suspension arm and a second suspension arm, each pivotably coupled at one end to the front structural member and at another end to the first wheel front assembly such that the second suspension arm is vertically offset from the first suspension arm. The system also includes a second suspension arm pair having a third suspension arm and a fourth suspension arm, each pivotably coupled at one end to the front structural member and at another end to the second front wheel assembly such that the fourth suspension arm is vertically offset from the third suspension arm.

Abstract: A lawnmower includes a cutting deck, a cutting blade positioned below the cutting deck, and an electric motor coupled to and configured to drive the cutting blade. The electric motor is positioned at least partially below the cutting deck.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an engine block, a blower housing configured to direct cooling air to the engine block, an electric starting system, and a crankshaft configured to rotate about a crankshaft axis. The electric starting system includes an electric motor and an energy storage device located within the blower housing. The energy storage device is electrically coupled to the electric motor to power the electric motor. When the starter motor is activated, the electric starting system rotates the crankshaft to rotate the engine for starting.

Abstract: A power management system for use with a generator includes a generator selectively supplying power to one or more load sources, the generator including an engine. The system also includes a controller communicably and operatively coupled to the generator to control operation of the generator and a user device including a user interface and configured to receive user input on the user interface and transmit the user input to the controller. The controller includes a priority circuit structured to receive the user input from the user device and control the generator to selectively supply power to a subset of the one or more load sources based on the user input.

Abstract: A starter motor connected to a power supply and operable to start an internal combustion engine includes an outer housing and a solid state switching device associated with the outer housing. The outer housing encloses a commutator and a series of brushes. The solid state switching device is movable between an open position and a closed position. The current flow from the power supply through the commutator is prevented when the solid state switching device is in the open position.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to a portable inverter. The portable inverter includes an electrical inverter, a closed battery receiver, an open battery receiver, and an electrical outlet. The electrical inverter is configured to convert direct current (DC) power to alternating current (AC) power. The closed battery receiver is configured to receive a battery and is electrically coupled to the electrical inverter to supply DC power from the battery to the electrical inverter. The open battery receive is configured to receive a battery and is electrically coupled to the electrical inverter to supply DC power from the battery to the electrical inverter. The electrical outlet is electrically coupled to the electrical inverter and configured to supply AC power from the electrical inverter.

Abstract: A dethatcher includes a frame having front and rear ends and a handle extending from the frame rear end. Wheels are coupled to the frame, and a cutting reel is housed in the frame. An engine is included for powering the cutting reel. In one embodiment, a bottom of the engine is below a top of the cutting reel when the cutting reel is in use. In another embodiment, the cutting reel is located between the engine and the frame front end. Another dethatcher has sequentially from a rear end: a handle, an engine, a cutting reel powered by the engine, and a bagger for collecting debris from the cutting reel.

Abstract: A generator including an internal combustion engine having an exhaust outlet, a proximity sensor structured to detect a distance value indicative of a distance between the exhaust outlet and an object, and a controller. The controller includes a proximity circuit structured to receive the distance value from the proximity sensor and a shutdown circuit. The shutdown circuit is structured to receive the distance value from the proximity circuit, determine whether to initiate at least one of an alarm and a shutdown of the generator based on the distance value and a predetermined distance value minimum, and initiate at least one of the alarm and the shutdown of the generator based on determining that the distance value is less than the predetermined distance value minimum.

Abstract: A battery for equipment having a charging system providing a charging voltage is provided. The battery includes a primary power supply, a secondary power supply, and a battery management system configured to at least one of (a) selectively increase the charging voltage to a boosted voltage and (b) selectively decrease the charging voltage to a bucked voltage, and provide at least one of the boosted voltage and the bucked voltage to the primary power supply.

Abstract: A method of exercising a generator includes detecting a temperature of the generator, if the temperature is above a predetermined temperature, activating a starter motor and starting an engine of the generator, and performing a first exercise test, and if the temperature is below the predetermined temperature, activating the starter motor without starting the engine of the generator, and performing a second exercise test.

Abstract: A generator management system is provided. The generator management system includes a generator and including an engine, a controller communicably coupled and operatively coupled to the generator to control operation of the generator. The controller includes a load sensing circuit structured to receive a load value of the engine, a fuel level sensing circuit structured to receive a fuel level value of a fuel source supplying fuel to the engine, and an evaluation circuit. The evaluation circuit structured to receive the load value of the engine from the load sensing circuit, receive the fuel level value from the fuel level sensing circuit, evaluate the load value and the fuel value to determine a remaining runtime of the generator, and control the generator to selectively supply power to a subset of one or more load sources based on the remaining runtime of the generator and a desired runtime of the generator.

Abstract: A method and system for supplying electric power to a plurality of priority loads from either a utility power source or a secondary power source, such as a generator. A control unit monitors the power draw by each of a plurality of priority loads and base loads during the supply of electric power from the utility power source. When the supply of power from the utility power source is interrupted, the control unit determines the number of the priority loads that can be powered by the secondary power source based on the monitored power draw of the priority and base loads prior to power interruption. The secondary power source is activated and the determined number of priority loads is immediately connected to the secondary power source without delay. When the utility power source returns, the system and method transfers utility power back to all of the priority and base loads.

Abstract: A battery adapter assembly for engine-powered outdoor power equipment including a battery pack, an adapter, a receiver, and a starting motor. The battery pack includes multiple battery cells, a positive terminal, and a negative terminal and is removable and replaceable. The adapter is structured to selectively connect to the battery pack and electrically connect to the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the battery pack. The receiver is structured to selectively receive and electrically connect to the adapter to transfer power from the battery pack to the receiver. The starting motor is structured to start an internal combustion engine and selectively receives power supplied by the battery pack. The adapter is structured to connect to and transfer power from multiple battery packs having different voltages.

Abstract: A portable generator includes a CO sensor module to sense CO levels in the environment surrounding the portable generator. The CO sensor module senses high levels of CO and sends a signal to shut down the engine on the portable generator. The CO sensor module alerts the user by emitting an LED light whether the CO sensor module is functioning properly, improperly or if high CO levels are detected. The CO sensor module is removable from a control panel of the portable generator to be replaced or maintained by the user per a replacement or maintenance schedule.

Abstract: A starter motor that includes an integrated solid state switching device. The solid state switching device is mounted within the outer housing of the starter motor such that the entire starter motor can be installed as a single unit. In one embodiment, the solid state switching device includes a MOSFET positioned on the low side of the starter motor. The solid state switching device opens and closes to control the flow of current through the starter motor. In another embodiment, the solid state switching device is positioned on the high side of the starter motor. The solid state switching device can include a speed sensing circuit to prevent operation of the starter motor when the internal combustion engine is operation, a crank limiting circuit that limits the amount of time the starter motor can operate without starting the internal combustion engine and/or a thermal limiting circuit to prevent operation during overheating of the starter motor.

Abstract: A method and system for exercising a standby generator is disclosed. The standby generator can be exercised in at least two different exercise cycles, including an express exercise cycle and an extended exercise cycle. The system and method operates the generator for an express exercise cycle having a first duration when the ambient temperature at or near the standby generator exceeds a minimum threshold temperature. If the ambient temperature does not exceed the minimum threshold temperature, the express exercise cycle does not begin. In addition to the express exercise cycle, the engine of the standby generator is started and run for an extended exercise cycle having a duration that exceeds the duration of the express exercise cycle. The extended exercise cycles are separated by a first interval while the express exercise cycles are separated by a second interval, where the first interval is longer than the second interval.

Abstract: An enclosed pressure washer system includes an engine having a horizontal output shaft, an exhaust system having a muffler and an exhaust outlet port in the muffler, a fan rotatably coupled to the horizontal output shaft, a starting system structured to start the engine, and a pump rotatably coupled to the engine via a non-metallic connector. The starting system includes a flywheel, a battery, and a starting device structured to start the engine. The pump includes an inlet which water enters from an inlet conduit and an outlet which pressurized water exits to an outlet conduit. The pressure washer system further includes an enclosure structured to house the engine, muffler, and pump and a sound absorbing case which surrounds the engine, pump, and the muffler and allows the exit of exhaust gas. The pump, flywheel, and fan are positioned on a side of the engine proximate the horizontal output shaft.