Abstract: A pressure washer includes a prime mover, a pump, an unloader valve, and a control mechanism. The prime mover has a speed control system, and the pump is connected to the prime mover and driven thereby during operation of the pressure washer. The unloader valve is connected to the pump and permits flow to an outlet of the pressure washer when in a first configuration, but directs the flow to a recirculation circuit when in a second configuration. The control mechanism is connected to the unloader valve, and is designed to receive a signal from the unloader valve that is related to the configuration of the unloader valve. The control mechanism conditions the signal and communicates the signal to the speed control system, where the speed of the prime mover is set at least partially as a function of the signal.

Abstract: A nozzle for use with a sprayer, such as a spray gun for a pressure washer or a garden hose system, includes a body, which has an inlet for receiving a pressurized flow of water. The nozzle further includes first and second outlets, and first and second passages. The first and second outlets are formed in an end of the body. The first passage extends between the inlet and the first outlet, and the second passage extends between the inlet and the second outlet. The first and second passages are substantially straight and parallel to one another. During operation of the nozzle, the pressurized flow of water from the inlet is split, passes through the first and second passages, and exits the body from the first and second outlets.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to support a pressure washer pump housing with a stand directly connected to the pressure washer pump housing. The stand comprises a horizontal platform connected to an underside of an engine and legs comprising vertical portions and strut portions, the vertical portions directly connected to and obliquely extending from the platform and the strut portions obliquely extending from the housing to the vertical portions.

Abstract: A garden hose booster system includes a pump for pressurizing water, a motor connected to and designed to drive the pump, and a housing supporting the pump and the motor. The garden hose booster system further includes an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit, and a storage container. The inlet has a first garden hose coupling on an end thereof, and extends into the housing to direct the water to the pump. The outlet conduit has a second garden hose coupling on an end thereof, and extends out of the housing to direct the water from the pump. The storage container includes a bottom designed to be mounted to the top of the housing and a side wall extending upward from the bottom. The side wall and the bottom form an open volume within which a garden hose may be piled or coiled for storage thereof.

Abstract: A method and system for remotely monitoring the status of a standby generator. The system includes a PLC transmitter in communication with the control unit for the generator. The PLC transmitter receives error codes from the control unit of the generator and transmits encoded error codes over the power distribution network in a home using a PLC frequency. A remote status display device can be connected to the power distribution network in the home at any convenient location. The remote status display device includes a PLC receiver that decodes the error codes. The decoded error codes are displayed on a display of the remote status display device for viewing by the home occupant at a location remote from the standby generator.

Abstract: An idle down controller for pressure washers is responsive to the drop in pressure at the pump outlet. The controller includes a sensor disposed in the pump outlet manifold. When the fluid is being bypassed, the manifold pressure drop is communicated to an actuator. The actuator overrides the engine governor and forces the engine throttle to the idle speed. When an operator is discharging a pressurized fluid, the actuator allows the governor to operate the engine at its normal speed.

Abstract: A high-pressure water pump for a pressure washer system includes an elliptical cam, a piston, and an unloader. The elliptical cam is designed to be powered by a prime mover, and is rotatable between a first orientation and a second orientation. The piston is designed to be driven within a chamber by the elliptical cam. During operation of the water pump, a flow of water enters the chamber through an inlet when the elliptical cam rotates to the first orientation. The flow of water exits the chamber at an increased pressure through an outlet when the elliptical cam rotates to the second orientation. The flow of water then exits the water pump through the unloader, which is designed to control pressure fluctuations in the flow of water, and is attached to the outlet of the chamber.

Abstract: An accessory tray for a pressure washer. The accessory tray of some embodiments has an accessory supporting portion for supporting and/or storing accessories of the pressure washer. The accessory supporting portion has a concave surface, which allows the accessories to be supported substantially normal to the ground regardless of the relative angle between the accessory tray and the ground. Some embodiments also have a flexible cantilevered member positioned above a portion of the accessory tray to trap an accessory against the accessory tray. Some embodiments can have a hose hook that supports and stores a hose of the pressure washer. The hose hook has a concave shape to allow the hose to be supported substantially normal to the ground.

Abstract: A hose includes a first tubular core, a second tubular core, a reinforcement and a jacket. The first tubular core has a first conduit opening into a first passage at a first end of the first conduit and opening into a second passage at a second end of the first conduit. The second tubular core has a second conduit opening into the first passage at a first end of the second conduit and opening into the second passage at a second end of the second conduit. The reinforcement is sandwiched between the first tubular core and the second tubular core. The jacket extends about and interconnects the first tubular core and the second tubular core.

Abstract: A pressure washer system includes an engine, a water pump, a sprayer, an unloader, and a link. The engine has a throttle system designed to control the speed of the engine. The water pump includes an inlet, a pumping mechanism, and an outlet. The pumping mechanism is designed to be driven by the engine. The sprayer is attached to the outlet of the water pump. The unloader is designed to direct water toward the inlet of the water pump when the unloader is in a first configuration, and to direct water toward the sprayer when the unloader is in a second configuration. Water pressure generated when the sprayer is not actuated moves the unloader to the first configuration. The link connects the unloader and the throttle system of the engine, where the link is designed to adjust the throttle system to a first engine speed when the unloader is in the first configuration, and to adjust the throttle system to a second engine speed when the unloader is in the second configuration.

Abstract: A rotary lawn mower includes an internal combustion engine having a power take-off. The mower further includes a connector adaptor attached to the power take-off, and a lawn mower blade. A connector base of the mower is attached to the blade. The connector base and the connector adaptor have extensions designed to interlock the connector base with the connector adaptor. At least one of the extensions forms a J-shaped structure arranged longitudinally along an axis of rotation of the connector base and connector adaptor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus utilize a first beam emitter and a second beam emitter coupled to the first beam emitter. The first beam emitter and the second beam emitter move in unison between a plurality of positions to indicate a plurality of distances separating the first beam emitter and the second beam emitter from endpoints of beams emitted by the first beam emitter and the second beam emitter.

Abstract: A hose coupling system includes a housing, a valve plug, and a locking mechanism. The housing has an inlet and an outlet, and a flow path between the inlet and the outlet. The valve plug is positioned within the housing along the flow path, and is rotatable between a closed orientation and an opened orientation. The closed orientation blocks the flow path and the opened orientation unblocks the flow path. The locking mechanism is designed to releasably fasten an instrument to the housing, where the locking mechanism is adjustable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking mechanism and the valve plug are coupled such that adjusting the locking mechanism to the unlocked position rotates the valve plug to the closed orientation.

Abstract: An accessory tray for a pressure washer. The accessory tray of some embodiments has an accessory supporting portion for supporting and/or storing accessories of the pressure washer. The accessory supporting portion has a concave surface, which allows the accessories to be supported substantially normal to the ground regardless of the relative angle between the accessory tray and the ground. Some embodiments also have a flexible cantilevered member positioned above a portion of the accessory tray to trap an accessory against the accessory tray. Some embodiments can have a hose hook that supports and stores a hose of the pressure washer. The hose hook has a concave shape to allow the hose to be supported substantially normal to the ground.

Abstract: A pressure washer system includes a combustion engine having a power takeoff. The center of the power takeoff defines an axis of rotation. The pressure washer system further includes a centrifugal clutch coupled to the power takeoff. The clutch comprises a flywheel having a center of mass positioned along the axis of rotation. The pressure washer system also includes a water pump coupled to the clutch output shaft.

Abstract: A booster pump system, for boosting a flow of water from a water source, includes a housing having a retractable handle. The booster pump system also includes a water pump positioned within the housing. The pump has an inlet and an outlet, and is designed to raise the pressure of the flow of water by an amount in a range of 20-200 pounds per square inch. The pump is also designed to raise the flow rate of the flow of water by an amount in a range of 0.5-5 gallons per minute. The booster pump system further includes a hose reel positioned within the housing, where the hose reel supports a garden hose attached to the outlet of the pump.

Abstract: A rotary lawn mower includes an internal combustion engine having a power take-off. The mower further includes a connector adaptor attached to the power take-off, and a lawn mower blade. A connector base of the mower is attached to the blade. The connector base and the connector adaptor have extensions designed to interlock the connector base with the connector adaptor. At least one of the extensions forms a J-shaped structure arranged longitudinally along an axis of rotation of the connector base and connector adaptor.

Abstract: An oil-level detection system for an engine-powered product includes a dipstick designed to be received within a crankcase. The system further includes a detector attached to the dipstick, where the detector is designed to sense, from within the crankcase, a level of oil within the crankcase. The system also includes a display in communication with the detector. The display identifies information to a user related to the level of oil within the crankcase, without the user opening the crankcase.

Abstract: A window power distribution device includes a housing with an extension attached to the housing. Together, the housing and extension are designed to form a seal in a window opening. The window power distribution device also includes an electrical input attached to the housing, a display, and a socket, where the socket is wired to the input. The display is designed to provide information relating to the power distribution device.

Abstract: A pressure washer system includes a mounting platform, a water pump, and a motor mounted to the mounting platform. The water pump has a housing with an inlet and an outlet. The motor is attached to the water pump such that the motor is designed to drive the water pump. The motor is mounted vertically below the water pump.