Abstract: A generator structure is provided for generating electrical power. The generator structure includes an enclosure having first and second spaced sidewalls interconnected by first and second end walls so as to define an interior. First and second generator sets are positioned within the interior of the enclosure. Each generator set includes an engine, an alternator driven by the engine for generating the electrical power and a radiator operatively connected to the engine. Means are provided for synchronizing the electrical power generated by each alternator.

Abstract: A generator structure is provided for generating electrical power. The generator structure includes an enclosure having first and second spaced sidewalls interconnected by first and second end walls so as to define an interior. First and second generator sets are positioned within the interior of the enclosure. Each generator set includes an engine, an alternator driven by the engine for generating the electrical power and a radiator operatively connected to the engine. Means are provided for synchronizing the electrical power generated by each alternator.

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 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 network controller and method is provided for managing the supply and distribution of electrical power. The network controller includes a plurality of power generation systems which are connected to a power network for communication thereon. Each power generation system includes at least one power generation unit connected to a corresponding sub-network. A user interface is connected to the power network for communicating with the first and second power generation systems. The network user interface allows a network user to set values for various predetermined operating parameters of the power generation units of the first and second power generation systems.

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 fuel regulator is provided for regulating the supply of fuel to a multi-cylinder engine. The regulator includes a regulator body defining a holding chamber connectable to a fuel source; a first supply chamber connectable to a first cylinder of the multi-cylinder engine; and a second supply chamber connectable to a second cylinder of the multi-cylinder engine. Orifices are provided between the supply chambers and the holding chamber. A first regulating structure is movable between a closed position wherein the orifice between the holding chamber and the first supply chamber is closed and an open position wherein the orifice between the holding chamber and the supply chamber is open in response to the fuel demanded by the first cylinder of the multi-cylinder engine.

Abstract: A fuel regulator is provided for regulating the supply of fuel to a multi-cylinder engine. The regulator includes a regulator body defining a holding chamber connectable to a fuel source; a first supply chamber connectable to a first cylinder of the multi-cylinder engine; and a second supply chamber connectable to a second cylinder of the multi-cylinder engine. Orifices are provided between the supply chambers and the holding chamber. A first regulating structure is movable between a closed position wherein the orifice between the holding chamber and the first supply chamber is closed and an open position wherein the orifice between the holding chamber and the supply chamber is open in response to the fuel demanded by the first cylinder of the multi-cylinder 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 method for controlling the speed of an engine driving a generator supplying electrical current to a load includes the steps of monitoring the current, increasing the speed when the current increases and decreasing the speed when the current decreases. The governor apparatus used to carry out the method includes a microcontroller having a current and frequency look-up table embedded in it. For some part of the monitoring step, the engine runs at a first speed, e.g., idle speed, or some moderate speed above idle speed. The increasing step includes detecting an increase in the current to a value, determining from the look-up table the frequency corresponding to the value and increasing the speed of the engine until the frequency of the current is the frequency corresponding to the value. To state it in other words, the new method and apparatus control the engine at a modest speed when the generator is unloaded or lightly loaded and increases engine speed and current frequency with increases in generator load.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism is provided for transferring the supply of power between a generator and utility source. The transfer mechanism includes a monitoring system for monitoring the power supplied by the utility source. The monitoring system starts the generator in response to a power outage from the utility source and stops the generator in response to the restoration of power from the utility source. A power relay has a utility input connectable to the utility source, a generator input connectable to the generator, an output connectable to a load, and a movable contact for selectively interconnecting one of the inputs to the output in response to the generation of power by the generator.

Abstract: A drive assembly couples a driving mechanism, e.g., an engine, and a driven mechanism, e.g., a generator, to one another. The assembly includes a transmission member having a plurality of inwardly projecting fingers and a coupling having a plurality of outwardly directed projections interdigitated with the fingers. The projections include first and second projections which define a notch between them. A finger extends into the notch, thereby forming first and second pockets between the finger and the first and second projections, respectively. In the improvement, the first and second resilient devices are received in the first and second pockets, respectively. Each resilient device includes at least one spur projecting from it to prevent substantial rotation of the device in its pocket. In a more specific embodiment, alternating pairs of resilient devices are made, respectively, of natural rubber for good shock absorption and Buna N for resisting the harmful effects of oil.

Abstract: A liquid-cooled IC engine is in combination with a heat exchange apparatus therefor and the apparatus includes a radiator and a belt-driven fan. In the improvement, a pair of fan support stanchions are fixed with respect to the radiator and a fan carrier assembly is slide-mounted with respect to them. In a highly preferred embodiment, there are two springs urging the assembly for translational movement in a belt-tensioning direction. A tube-like arbor is mounted with respect to the panel and a bearing-supported shaft extends through the arbor and couples the fan and a driven fan pulley to one another. A flexible belt is driven by the crankshaft pulley and drives the fan pulley. The crankshaft pulley rotates at engine speed and has a first diameter and the fan pulley has a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The fan pulley (and the fan) rotate at a speed less than engine speed, thereby reducing fan noise.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic transfer switch (ATS) having "operate," "test" and "isolate" positions for the switch per se. A handle selects one of the positions and a mechanical linkage couples the ATS and the handle to one another. In the improvement, the linkage has first and second members for applying motive force to the switch. The mechanical linkage has first and second rotary driver devices in engagement with the first and second members, respectively, thereby providing redundant switch-positioning mechanisms. The new ATS may be combined with a bypass switch having "normal," "auto" and "emergency" contact positions. A switch interlock linkage extends between the transfer switch and the bypass switch and includes a bypass plate and a transfer plate coupled to one another by a bar. The bypass switch includes a pivot-mounted first bypass interlock member obstructing substantial movement of the bypass plate when the bypass switch electrical contacts are in the "normal" position.