Abstract: A system, in one embodiment, may include a welding generator having a rotor and a stator, an engine coupled to the generator wherein the rotor comprises a mass configured to provide a substantial amount of inertia to smooth operation of the engine. A system, in another embodiment, may include an engine and an electromechanical device coupled to the engine, wherein the electromechanical device comprises a rotor having a mass effective to absorb energy from the engine during firing portions and return energy to the engine during non-firing portions of a cycle of the engine. A method is provided for removing a flywheel that substantially provides inertia to an engine of a welding system and providing inertia to smooth operation of the engine without or independent of the flywheel. Another method is provided that includes substantially providing inertia to an engine via a rotor of a generator.

Abstract: An engine oil change notification system is disclosed for an engine-driven electrical generator (e.g., welder/generator). The system may include an engine, an electrical generator, and an oil system configured to provide oil for lubrication of the engine. The system may further include a plurality of sensors coupled to the engine, the generator, and the oil system. The plurality of sensors may be configured to detect and measure operating parameters that are indicative of the quality of oil. The system may also include a processor configured to process the signals received from the plurality of sensors. Further, the processor may time stamp the signals and store data in a memory. The memory may include criteria data for determining the quality of the oil. Finally, the system may include a control panel that is coupled to the processor and configured to communicate the quality of the oil.

Abstract: A system, in one embodiment, may include a welding generator having a rotor and a stator, an engine coupled to the generator wherein the rotor comprises a mass configured to provide a substantial amount of inertia to smooth operation of the engine. A system, in another embodiment, may include an engine and an electromechanical device coupled to the engine, wherein the electromechanical device comprises a rotor having a mass effective to absorb energy from the engine during firing portions and return energy to the engine during non-firing portions of a cycle of the engine. A method is provided for removing a flywheel that substantially provides inertia to an engine of a welding system and providing inertia to smooth operation of the engine without or independent of the flywheel. Another method is provided that includes substantially providing inertia to an engine via a rotor of a generator.