Abstract: Apparatus and methods for frequency compensation of amplifiers are provided herein. In certain embodiments, an amplifier includes an input transistor (which can be part of a differential input pair) electrically connected to a first node, a folded cascode transistor electrically connected between the first node and a second node, a current source electrically connected to a third node, a current source transistor electrically connected between the third node and the first node, a first output transistor having an input (for example, a gate) electrically connected to the second node and an output (for example, a drain) electrically connected to a fourth node, and a frequency compensation capacitor electrically connected between the fourth node and the third node.

Abstract: The invention provides a hierarchically accessible monitoring system configured to be used with a standby generator, and a method of remotely accessing generator information from a standby generator. The hierarchically accessible monitoring system includes an interface unit configured to receive information from the standby generator and to communicate the generator information, and a remote data server in communication with the interface unit. The remote data server receives the generator information from the interface unit, stores the generator information, and controls access to the generator information based upon at least two hierarchical levels, each hierarchical level having different access privileges. The hierarchically accessible monitoring system also includes a user interface configured to display the generator information from the remote data server to at least one user. The user has access privileges to read the generator information based upon the user's assigned hierarchical level.

Abstract: An electrical power system includes a standby electrical generator configured to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy for electrically powering one more loads, at least one thermostat coupled to an air handling system, and a communication device for network communication to at least one remote user interface. The standby electrical generator and the at least one thermostat are configured to provide information relating to the operational characteristics of the standby electrical generator and the at least one thermostat to the at least one remote user interface via the communication device.

Abstract: The invention provides a hierarchically accessible monitoring system configured to be used with a standby generator, and a method of remotely accessing generator information from a standby generator. The hierarchically accessible monitoring system includes an interface unit configured to receive information from the standby generator and to communicate the generator information, and a remote data server in communication with the interface unit. The remote data server receives the generator information from the interface unit, stores the generator information, and controls access to the generator information based upon at least two hierarchical levels, each hierarchical level having different access privileges. The hierarchically accessible monitoring system also includes a user interface configured to display the generator information from the remote data server to at least one user. The user has access privileges to read the generator information based upon the user's assigned hierarchical level.

Abstract: The present invention is a permanent magnet rotor for axial airgap motor apparatus comprised of a rotor frame having a plurality of polarized magnets secured inside retaining bands placed into apertures in the rotor frame. The magnets are arranged so that the polarities of the magnets alternate.

Abstract: The invention provides a hierarchically accessible monitoring system configured to be used with a standby generator, and a method of remotely accessing generator information from a standby generator. The hierarchically accessible monitoring system includes an interface unit configured to receive information from the standby generator and to communicate the generator information, and a remote data server in communication with the interface unit. The remote data server receives the generator information from the interface unit, stores the generator information, and controls access to the generator information based upon at least two hierarchical levels, each hierarchical level having different access privileges. The hierarchically accessible monitoring system also includes a user interface configured to display the generator information from the remote data server to at least one user. The user has access privileges to read the generator information based upon the user's assigned hierarchical level.

Abstract: A pressure washer, connected to a water source by a hose, includes a frame, an engine supported by the frame and having a crankshaft, a pump driven by the engine, a wheel supported for rotation relative to the frame, an input configured to receive water from the hose and discharge the water against the wheel to cause the wheel to rotate, and a spring having a first end that is coupled to the crankshaft and a second end that is rotatable about an axis relative to the first end in response to rotation of the wheel to wind the spring. The wound spring is released to rotate the crankshaft to start the engine.

Abstract: A pressure washer, connected to a water source by a hose, includes a frame, an engine supported by the frame and having a crankshaft, a pump driven by the engine, a wheel supported for rotation relative to the frame, an input configured to receive water from the hose and discharge the water against the wheel to cause the wheel to rotate, and a spring having a first end that is coupled to the crankshaft and a second end that is rotatable about an axis relative to the first end in response to rotation of the wheel to wind the spring. The wound spring is released to rotate the crankshaft to start the engine.

Abstract: An engine starter assembly, coupled to a rotatable member of an internal combustion engine, includes an accumulator device coupled to the rotatable member for storing energy, an input device impinged by a fluid stream, and a fluid input receiving the fluid stream and directing the fluid stream toward the input device. Energy from the fluid stream is stored in the accumulator device due to the impingement of the fluid stream on the input device. The stored energy in the accumulator device is thereafter released to rotate the rotatable member to start the engine.

Abstract: A method for cooling a generator. The method includes drawing air into a first zone of a housing through a first air intake, drawing air through a controller air intake adjacent a generator controller, directing air from the first zone into a second zone past a separator, drawing air into the second zone from both the first zone and the controller air intake, and exhausting air from the second zone to the exterior of the generator.

Abstract: A method for cooling a generator. The method includes drawing air into a first zone of a housing through a first air intake, drawing air through a controller air intake adjacent a generator controller, directing air from the first zone into a second zone past a separator, drawing air into the second zone from both the first zone and the controller air intake, and exhausting air from the second zone to the exterior of the generator.

Abstract: A vehicle or equipment having a frame, a plurality of wheels, and an engine coupled to the frame. The engine includes a shaft. The vehicle or machine further comprising a first driving member coaxially coupled with the shaft, a first driven member driven in response to the first driving member, a transmission interconnecting the first driven member and at least one of the wheels, a second driving member coaxially coupled with the shaft, a second driven member driven in response to the second driving member, auxiliary equipment operable in response to the second driven member, and an alternator. The alternator includes a stator comprising a core and conductors disposed on the core, and a rotor coaxially coupled with the shaft. The rotor is operable to interact with the stator to produce electrical energy in the conductors.

Abstract: Described is a switched capacitor circuit for performing an analog circuit function. Unlike conventional switched capacitor circuits employing operational amplifiers, the switched capacitor circuit uses a comparator and does not require direct feedback between the input and output of the comparator. The switched capacitor circuit includes a first and a second switched capacitance network, a comparator and a current source. The first switched capacitance network has an input terminal to receive a circuit input voltage during a first phase. The comparator has an input terminal in communication with the first switched capacitance network and an output terminal in communication with the second switched capacitance network through a switched terminal. The current source communicates with the switched capacitance networks and supplies a current to charge the networks during a second phase. The circuit can be used, for example, to provide high gain amplification in integrated circuits.

Abstract: A drive system for a marine vessel. The drive system includes a drive shaft that is rotatable about a drive axis and a motor interconnected with the drive shaft and including a rotor that defines a motor axis that is substantially coaxial with the drive axis. The motor is operable at a motor speed to rotate the drive shaft. An engine has an output shaft interconnected with the drive shaft and is operable at an engine speed to rotate the drive shaft. The output shaft defines an engine axis that is substantially coaxial with the motor axis. A clutch is operable to inhibit the transfer of torque from the motor to the engine when the engine speed is less than a predetermined engine speed without disconnecting the output shaft from the drive shaft. A tiller arm includes a speed control. The speed control is operable to control the engine speed and to control the motor speed.

Abstract: A vehicle or equipment having a frame, a plurality of wheels, and an engine coupled to the frame. The engine includes a shaft. The vehicle or machine further comprising a first driving member coaxially coupled with the shaft, a first driven member driven in response to the first driving member, a transmission interconnecting the first driven member and at least one of the wheels, a second driving member coaxially coupled with the shaft, a second driven member driven in response to the second driving member, auxiliary equipment operable in response to the second driven member, and an alternator. The alternator includes a stator comprising a core and conductors disposed on the core, and a rotor coaxially coupled with the shaft. The rotor is operable to interact with the stator to produce electrical energy in the conductors.

Abstract: Winding assemblies of electrical machines, such as electric motors, are provided which include a connector scheme having at least one conduit that is electrically coupled via a wave soldered connection directly to at least two windings which are not axially adjacent. The conduit can include a common connector and/or a phase connector. The connector scheme can additionally or alternatively include a power connector that is electrically coupled via wave soldering directly to a single winding, and adapted to be electrically coupled to a power source. The winding assemblies of the invention can additionally provide a number of constructions which allow for minimally sized air gaps.

Abstract: Winding assemblies of electrical machines, such as electric motors, are provided which include a connector scheme having at least one conduit that is electrically coupled via a wave soldered connection directly to at least two windings which are not axially adjacent. The conduit can include a common connector and/or a phase connector. The connector scheme can additionally or alternatively include a power connector that is electrically coupled via wave soldering directly to a single winding, and adapted to be electrically coupled to a power source. The winding assemblies of the invention can additionally provide a number of constructions which allow for minimally sized air gaps.

Abstract: A motor includes a shaft, at least one bearing, a rotor, a stator, and a brush carrier. The bearing is located adjacent to the shaft. The rotor is interconnected to the shaft and magnetically interacts with the stator. The brush carrier is releasably interconnected to the rotor and/or stator such that the brush carrier can mechanically disconnect from the rotor and/or stator without disturbing a bearing and other motor elements. By disconnecting the brush carrier from an endbell and viewing the commutator surfaces through an endbell aperture, the commutator surfaces of the motor are inspected. Since more than one winding portion of the armature can act as a commutating surface, motor assembly is simplified and the motor has a long useful life. A motor including more than one brush carrier is also provided.

Abstract: The improved battery-powered lawnmower includes a safety key that is automatically removed when the removable battery is removed, while at the same time blocking the battery recharger receptacle. The lawnmower also includes a control circuit that shuts off the lawnmower upon the occurrence of one or more of several predetermined conditions, including low battery voltage, the encountering of heavy grass for a period of 3 seconds or more, and high motor current that may occur when the cutting blade is jammed. The cutting blade is designed to move through any debris accumulated between the blade ends and the housing sidewall without sacrificing the lift for needed cutting and mulching. The invention also includes a unique height adjustment assembly for adjusting the height of the chassis, a handle attachment that allows the handle to be positively tightened to the lawnmower chassis, and a telescoping groove for the battery's quick connect/disconnect terminals.

Abstract: The improved battery-powered lawnmower includes a safety key that is automatically removed when the removable battery is removed, while at the same time blocking the battery recharger receptacle. The lawnmower also includes a control circuit that shuts off the lawnmower upon the occurrence of one or more of several predetermined conditions, including low battery voltage, the encountering of heavy grass for a period of 3 seconds or more, and high motor current that may occur when the cutting blade is jammed. The cutting blade is designed to move through any debris accumulated between the blade ends and the housing sidewall without sacrificing the lift for needed cutting and mulching. The invention also includes a unique height adjustment assembly for adjusting the height of the chassis, a handle attachment that allows the handle to be positively tightened to the lawnmower chassis, and a telescoping groove for the battery's quick connect/disconnect terminals.