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.

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.

Abstract: A breather assembly for a crankcase includes a chamber having a chamber pressure. The breather assembly includes a base coupled to the crankcase and having an interior. The base defines a first aperture to allow fluid communication between the chamber and the interior, and a second aperture to allow fluid communication between an atmosphere and the interior. A a movable membrane is disposed substantially within the interior to define a crankcase-side of the interior and an atmosphere-side of the interior.

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.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nozzle kit for use with a pressurized fluid delivery apparatus having an output device for discharging pressurized fluid. The kit includes first and second distinct nozzles individually connectable with the output device. The first and second nozzles have respective first and second orifices through which the pressurized fluid is dischargeable. The first orifice is larger than the second orifice such that the first and second nozzles output the pressurized fluid at different output pressures and flow rates. The kit also includes a package containing the first and second nozzles.

Abstract: An apparatus that connects generator power, from a generator to a hard-wired load, the load being connected in circuit to a load power switch that switches power to the load. The apparatus includes a connection box, an input connector, and a two-position switch adapted to being connected in circuit with the generator and with a utility source.

Abstract: A generator positionable on a support surface and including a frame, an internal combustion engine coupled to the frame, an electrical energy source, a fuel tank, and an output unit. The one-piece mounting member is coupled to the frame and has mounting arms that each provide a frame mount, an engine mount, and a source mount. The internal combustion engine is coupled to the mounting member and includes an output shaft that extends through a central portion and that is substantially normal to the support surface during generator operation. The electrical energy source has a rotor coupled to the output shaft for rotation therewith, and a stator coupled to the mounting member. The fuel supply supplies fuel to the engine, and the output unit communicates with at least one of the engine and the energy source.

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.

Abstract: A generator positionable on a support surface and including a frame, an internal combustion engine coupled to the frame, an electrical energy source, a fuel tank, and an output unit. The one-piece mounting member is coupled to the frame and has mounting arms that each provide a frame mount, an engine mount, and a source mount. The internal combustion engine is coupled to the mounting member and includes an output shaft that extends through a central portion and that is substantially normal to the support surface during generator operation. The electrical energy source has a rotor coupled to the output shaft for rotation therewith, and a stator coupled to the mounting member. The fuel supply supplies fuel to the engine, and the output unit communicates with at least one of the engine and the energy source.

Abstract: A generator positionable on a support surface and including a frame, an internal combustion engine coupled to the frame, an electrical energy source, a fuel tank, and an output unit. The one-piece mounting member is coupled to the frame and has mounting arms that each provide a frame mount, an engine mount, and a source mount. The internal combustion engine is coupled to the mounting member and includes an output shaft that extends through a central portion and that is substantially normal to the support surface during generator operation. The electrical energy source has a rotor coupled to the output shaft for rotation therewith, and a stator coupled to the mounting member. The fuel supply supplies fuel to the engine, and the output unit communicates with at least one of the engine and the energy source.

Abstract: A load management system for residential use is disclosed. The system includes a first signal-responsive switch connected to a first load, and a second signal-responsive switch connected to a second load that has a lower priority than the first load. The system also includes a sensor to sense first and second electrical signals associated with the respective first and second loads. The system also includes a controller to ensure that the second signal-responsive switch is in an OPEN state after the sensor senses that the first electrical signal exceeds a first threshold value, and that the first signal-responsive switch is in a CLOSED state after the first electrical signal exceeds a second threshold value.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus that connects generator power, from a generator to a hard-wired load, the load being connected in circuit to a load power switch that switches power to the load. The apparatus includes a connection box, an input connector, and a two-position switch adapted to being connected in circuit with the generator and with a utility source.

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”).

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”).

Abstract: A generator positionable on a support surface and including a frame, an internal combustion engine coupled to the frame, an electrical energy source, a fuel tank, and an output unit. The one-piece mounting member is coupled to the frame and has mounting arms that each provide a frame mount, an engine mount, and a source mount. The internal combustion engine is coupled to the mounting member and includes an output shaft that extends through a central portion and that is substantially normal to the support surface during generator operation. The electrical energy source has a rotor coupled to the output shaft for rotation therewith, and a stator coupled to the mounting member. The fuel supply supplies fuel to the engine, and the output unit communicates with at least one of the engine and the energy source.