Abstract: A fuel selection device is provided for allowing a user to connect the cylinders of an internal combustion engine to a user-selected fuel source. The fuel selection device includes a housing that defines a cavity for receiving a moveable selector therein. The selector defining first, second, third and fourth flow paths. The first and second flow paths are used for flowing a first type (e.g., natural gas) of fuel from a fuel source to the cylinders of the engine. The second and fourth flow paths are used for flowing a second type of fuel (e.g., liquid propane vapor) from a fuel source to the cylinder. The selector is movable between a first position wherein first and second cylinders communicate with the first and second flow paths, respectively, and a second position wherein the first and second cylinders communicate with the second flow path and fourth flow paths, respectively.

Abstract: A fuel selection device is provided for allowing a user to connect the cylinders of an internal combustion engine to a user-selected fuel source. The fuel selection device includes a housing that defines a cavity for receiving a moveable selector therein. The selector defining first, second, third and fourth flow paths. The first and second flow paths are used for flowing a first type (e.g., natural gas) of fuel from a fuel source to the cylinders of the engine. The second and fourth flow paths are used for flowing a second type of fuel (e.g., liquid propane vapor) from a fuel source to the cylinder. The selector is movable between a first position wherein first and second cylinders communicate with the first and second flow paths, respectively, and a second position wherein the first and second cylinders communicate with the second flow path and fourth flow paths, respectively.

Abstract: A method and device is provided for regulating the air-fuel mixture provided to an engine of a stand-by electrical generator during the exercise thereof. The engine is exercised at a predetermined speed less than the normal operating speed of the engine and each cylinder receives an air-fuel mixture having an air component and a fuel component. To exercise the engine, the air component and the fuel component in the air-fuel mixture provided to the engine is reduced. In addition, the volume of the air-fuel mixture provided to each cylinder of the engine is balanced.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is provided for dissipating heat from a fluid. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of stacked pairs of plates. Each pair of plates includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate extends along a first axis and has first and second sides. The first side of the first plate has a generally sinusoidal recess therein that extends along the first axis. The second plate extends along a second axis and has first and second sides. The first side of the second plate has a generally sinusoidal recess therein that extends along the second axis and that is out of phase with the sinusoidal recesses in the first side of the first plate. The first side of the first plate and the first side of the second plate form a mating relationship with each other such that the recess in the first side of the first plate communicates with the recess in the first side of the second plate at a plurality of axially spaced locations.

Abstract: A method is provided for exercising an engine-driven, electrical generator. The generator has a first operation mode wherein the generator generates a predetermined output voltage at a predetermined frequency with the engine running a predetermined operating speed and a second exercise mode. The method includes the step of running the engine at a predetermined exercise speed with the generator in the exercise mode. The predetermined exercise speed is in the range of 40% to 70% of the predetermined operating speed of the engine. In addition, in the exercise mode, the generator generates an exercise voltage that is less than the predetermined output voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for facilitating the cooling of engine coolant flowing through a radiator operatively connected to the engine of an engine-driven, electrical generator set. The engine has a crankshaft rotatable about a first axis and a radiator having a first side directed towards the engine and a second side. The apparatus includes a fan positionable on the second side of the radiator that is rotatable about a second axis generally parallel to and vertically spaced from the first axis. The apparatus includes a thermally responsive clutch having a driven portion. The clutch is movable between a first disengaged position wherein the driven portion is isolated from the crankshaft and a second engaged position wherein the driven portion rotates in unison with the crankshaft in response to a predetermined temperature. A fan drive system interconnects the driven portion of the clutch and the fan for translating rotation of the driven portion to the fan.

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 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: 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.