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 controlling a bi-fuel generator set. The generator set includes a controller, a generator for generating electrical power, and an engine for driving the generator. A flow of gaseous fuel is provided, and operation of the engine and the generator is monitored. The flow of gaseous fuel is adjusted in response to various predetermined operating conditions on the engine. In addition, the flow of gaseous fuel may be selectively passed through a charge cooler remote from a radiator for the engine. The flow of gaseous fuel may be cooled by the charge cooler in response to certain operating conditions on the engine.

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 method is provided for controlling a bi-fuel generator set. The generator set includes a controller, a generator for generating electrical power, and an engine for driving the generator. A flow of gaseous fuel is provided, and operation of the engine and the generator is monitored. The flow of gaseous fuel is adjusted in response to various predetermined operating conditions on the engine. In addition, the flow of gaseous fuel may be selectively passed through a charge cooler remote from a radiator for the engine. The flow of gaseous fuel may be cooled by the charge cooler in response to certain operating conditions on the engine.

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: A fuel mixer box is provided for supplying a fuel mixture to each cylinder of an engine. The fuel mixer box includes an 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.

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 generator structure is provided having an improved air flow arrangement. The generator structure includes an enclosure having an interior for receiving an engine and an alternator therein. A roof structure is positioned on the enclosure and includes an eave portion and an attic portion. The eave portion has an inlet which communicates with the ambient air external of the generator structure, an outlet communicating with the interior of the enclosure and input flow path therebetween. The attic portion has an inlet communicating with the interior of the enclosure, an outlet communicating with the ambient air external of the generator structure and an exit flow path therebetween. An air flow generator draws ambient air through the inlet flow path in the eave portion of the roof structure into the interior of the enclosure to cool the engine and the alternator and urges air from the interior of the enclosure through the exit flow path in the attic portion and out of the generator structure.

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: A grass-cutting tractor has an internal combustion engine, an apparatus which changes engine speed, and a generator. In the improvement, 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 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.