Patents by Inventor Wesley C. Sodemann

Wesley C. Sodemann has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20190326779
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Applicant: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Brandon M. Batzler, Kenny J. Stair, Russell C. Nordman, John A. Fiorenza, Wesley C. Sodemann
  • Publication number: 20150008740
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Brandon M. Batzler, Kenny J. Stair, Russell C. Nordman, John A. Fiorenza, Wesley C. Sodemann
  • Patent number: 8868378
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Briggs and Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Brandon M. Batzler, Kenny J. Stair, Russell C. Nordman, John A. Fiorenza, Wesley C. Sodemann
  • Patent number: 8083497
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. Gilpatrick, Wesley C Sodemann, Peter A. Chiello
  • Patent number: 7604246
    Abstract: An engine-driven assembly including an engine-driven device, a vertical-shaft engine, a frame, and a handle. The vertical-shaft engine supplies power to the engine-driven device. The frame is coupled to the vertical-shaft engine and the engine-driven device. The frame includes at least one frame foot in contact with a ground surface when the frame is in an operating position. The handle has legs coupled for to the frame for movement of the handle between retracted and extended positions. The legs are oriented such that an acute angle is formed between the ground surface and the legs when the handle is extended and the engine-driven assembly is in the operating position. The handle is higher in the extended position than in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Briggs and Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Wesley C. Sodemann, Billy Brandenburg
  • Publication number: 20090240377
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: Briggs and Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Brandon M. Batzler, Kenny J. Stair, Russel C. Nordman, John A. Fiorenza, Wesley C. Sodemann
  • Publication number: 20090116972
    Abstract: An apparatus and method support a pressure washer pump housing with a stand directly connected to the pressure washer pump housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. Gilpatrick, Wesley C. Sodemann, Peter A. Chiello
  • Patent number: 7471505
    Abstract: A power interface operable to direct power from one of a first source and a second source to a load. The power interface includes a support plate, and a switch extending through the support plate. The switch is electrically connected to the first source and to the load and is movable between a first switch position in which power from the first source is directed to the load, and a second switch position in which power from the first source is inhibited from reaching the load. An electrical connector is electrically connectable to the load and is connectable to the second source to facilitate the delivery of power from the second source to the load. A movable cover is movable between a first cover position in which the cover inhibits connection between the electrical connector and the second source and a second cover position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Philip Gull, Wesley C. Sodemann
  • Patent number: 7390224
    Abstract: A system for providing electric power and a method of controlling the same. The system includes a local power source, a non-neutral-bonded connector electrically connected to the local power source, a neutral-bonded connector, and a conductor. The system also includes a first connector that provides an electrical connection between the non-neutral-bonded connector and the neutral-bonded connector in a first configuration of the system, and a second connector that provides an electrical connection between the non-neutral-bonded connector and the conductor in a second configuration of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Wesley C. Sodemann, Kenny J. Stair, Philip Gull
  • Patent number: 7356384
    Abstract: A method, and a system that uses the method, of managing loads for residential use. The method includes connecting a first signal-responsive switch to a first load, and connecting a second signal-responsive switch to a second load that has a lower priority than the first load. The method also includes sensing first and second electrical signals from the respective first and second loads, and ensuring the first signal-responsive switch is in a CLOSED state and the second signal-responsive switch in an OPEN state after both a combination of the sensed first and second electrical signals exceeds a first threshold value and the sensed first electrical signal is below a second threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Philip Gull, Wesley C. Sodemann, Kenny J. Stair
  • Patent number: 7314397
    Abstract: An exhaust system for an engine that produces an exhaust gas during operation. The exhaust system includes a manifold in fluid communication with the engine to receive the exhaust gas and a conduit extending from the manifold in a first direction. An outlet manifold is coupled to the conduit and extends in a second direction substantially normal to the first direction. The outlet manifold defines an aperture oriented such that exhaust gas passes through the aperture and out of the outlet manifold in a third direction that is substantially opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Wesley C. Sodemann, Billy Brandenburg, Peter Nushart
  • Patent number: 7161253
    Abstract: A portable power source for starting a variety of outdoor power equipment. The portable power source generally includes a housing, an electrochemical power supply, a switch having an ON position with a fixed contact and a START position with a momentary contact, and a connector connected to the switch. The switch may be electrically connected to the electrochemical power supply and, using a cable, the connector is operable to be electrically connected to a starter motor associated with the outdoor power equipment. Actuation of the switch to the START position electrically connects the electrochemical power supply to the starter motor. The portable power source is adapted to be used as a primary power source and an auxiliary power source. The portable power source also includes an integrated light, an air compressor, a power supply indicator, and one or more inputs and outputs to receive and provide direct current (“DC”) and alternating current (“AC”).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Wesley C. Sodemann, Billy Brandenburg, Kenny J Stair, Herbert Hoenisch
  • Patent number: 7148580
    Abstract: A portable power source for starting a variety of outdoor power equipment, particularly a portable generator. The portable power source generally includes a housing, an electrochemical power supply, a switch, and a connector connected to the switch. The switch may be electrically connected to the electrochemical power supply and, using a conductor (e.g., a cable), the connector is operable to be electrically connected to a starter motor associated with the outdoor power equipment. The portable power source is adapted to be used as a primary power source and as an auxiliary power source. The portable power source can also includes an integrated light, an air compressor, a power supply indicator, and one or more inputs and outputs to receive and provide direct current (“DC”) and alternating current (“AC”).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Briggs and Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Wesley C. Sodemann, Billy Brandenburg, Kenny J. Stair, Herbert Hoenisch
  • Patent number: 7104847
    Abstract: A system for providing electric power and a method of controlling the same. The system includes a local power source, a non-neutral-bonded connector electrically connected to the local power source, a neutral-bonded connector, and a conductor. The system also includes a first connector that provides an electrical connection between the non-neutral-bonded connector and the neutral-bonded connector in a first configuration of the system, and a second connector that provides an electrical connection between the non-neutral-bonded connector and the conductor in a second configuration of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC
    Inventors: Wesley C. Sodemann, Kenny J. Stair, Philip Gull
  • Patent number: 7057108
    Abstract: A cord for use with duplex receptacles that have first and second receptacles. The cord includes first and second sets of prongs insertable into the duplex receptacles to receive independent low-voltage electrical signals, and first and second receptacles connected in circuit to the first and second sets of prongs to deliver the independent low-voltage signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC
    Inventors: Wesley C. Sodemann, Philip Gull, Kenny J. Stair, Dave Flegel
  • Patent number: 7053497
    Abstract: A load monitoring apparatus for monitoring the load applied to a portable generator. The apparatus includes a sensor, and a humanly perceptible indicator that indicates at least one discontinuous load power frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC
    Inventors: Wesley C. Sodemann, Kenny J. Stair, Russell C. Nordman, Paul A. Tharman
  • Patent number: 7015599
    Abstract: A backup power management system connectable to a primary power source and a secondary power source, and a method of operating the same. The system includes a transfer switch connectable to the primary and secondary power sources, and a plurality of circuit branches connected to the transfer switch. The circuit branches include first and second remotely operated branches having first and second managed circuit breakers, respectively. The system further includes a controller connected to the first and second managed circuit breakers. The controller controls the managed circuit breakers, thereby controlling the current through the first and second managed circuit branches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC
    Inventors: Philip Gull, Wesley C. Sodemann
  • Patent number: 6988677
    Abstract: The invention recites an apparatus comprising a nozzle holder able to retain at least one nozzle and disposed on a pressure washer wand. The nozzle holder comprises a body including a bore extending therethrough. The bore is sized to engage the pressure washer wand. The nozzle holder further includes a boss interconnected with and having an aperture sized to receive at least one nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC
    Inventors: Wesley C. Sodemann, Robert L. Brandel, Richard A. Hosig, Carlo Sabattini, Claudio Carpanese
  • Publication number: 20040262997
    Abstract: A backup power management system connectable to a primary power source and a secondary power source, and a method of operating the same. The system includes a transfer switch connectable to the primary and secondary power sources, and a plurality of circuit branches connected to the transfer switch. The circuit branches include first and second remotely operated branches having first and second managed circuit breakers, respectively. The system further includes a controller connected to the first and second managed circuit breakers. The controller controls the managed circuit breakers, thereby controlling the current through the first and second managed circuit branches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Philip Gull, Wesley C. Sodemann
  • Patent number: D583757
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Wesley C. Sodemann, Peter Nushart, Billy Brandenburg, Christopher Ludlum