Prime-mover dynamo plants – Miscellaneous – Drive gearing
Reexamination Certificate
2000-11-06
2001-11-06
Ponomarenko, Nicholas (Department: 2834)
Prime-mover dynamo plants
Miscellaneous
Drive gearing
C123S002000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06313543
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention pertains to portable electric generators. More particularly, the invention pertains to such generators wherein members of a plurality of different engines having vertically aligned output shafts can be easily incorporated using common mounting hardware.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Portable generators driven, for example, by gasoline engines are known and provide Convenient sources of electrical energy at construction sites, camp sites, temporary sports activities and the like. Many known portable generator systems use engines with horizontally oriented output shafts.
It has also been known to combine generators or alternators with gasoline engines with output shafts which are designed to have a vertical orientation when the engine is in operation. Such engine configurations are commonly found, for example, on lawn mowers.
It would be desirable to be able to take advantage of a number of different types of available gasoline engines with vertically oriented drive shafts in portable generator products. Preferably, the fact that different engines might originate from different manufacturers would not increase the inventory or manufacturing costs which underlie the production of such products. Rather, it would be desirable to be able to readily incorporate a variety of engine types and generator sizes so as to provide for increased manufacturing and inventory flexibility.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A generator system usable with a plurality of different engines includes a modular engine interface adapted to be coupled one at a time, to each member of the plurality of different engines. A generator or alternator can be selected from a plurality of electrical sources having different output characteristics and coupled to the interface. The coupled engine/interface/source combination will be oriented, in normal operation, such that the drive shaft of the engine is substantially vertical while rotating.
In one aspect, a cart can be provided for protection and to facilitate movement of the system. The cart is formed of a length of tubular-type material which can be bent at a plurality of regions so as to form first and second spaced apart U-shaped sections which extend generally along each side of the coupled engine/interface/source combination.
A third U-shaped section extends between the first and second sections, generally perpendicular thereto, and forms an internal region in which the engine/interface/source combination is located. The first, second and third U-shaped regions extend past the selected engine and the selected source.
Coupled to a portion of each of the first and second U-shaped regions is at least one rotatably mounted wheel having an axis of rotation which extends between the first and second sections, generally parallel to the third section. The cart can be pivoted about the axis of rotation and rolled.
In yet another aspect a fuel tank is mounted on the cart, displaced on the other side of the axis of rotation from the engine/interface/source combination. The fuel tank produces a torque which counterbalances the torque generated by the combination while the cart is being rolled.
The fuel tank is symmetrical, in one aspect, about a central plane which extends substantially perpendicular to the interface and perpendicular to the third U-shaped section. The fuel tank is positioned between a user attempting to roll the cart and the combination. The fuel tank includes a molded depression to facilitate the user pivoting the cart for movement.
A muffler is located substantially below the engine, adjacent to the source. When a user is moving the system, the fuel tank and the engine are interposed between the user and the muffler.
In yet another aspect,where the source includes an alternator, a governor can be coupled to the engine to control engine speed to produce a 50-60 Hz electrical output. Circuitry can be included to override the governor in no load situations. Engine speed can be permitted to drop to a relatively low RPM idle conserving fuel and reducing operating noise.
A current sensor, for example, coupled to the electrical output port can detect an output current flow. In such an instance, the governor can be enabled resulting in the engine returning to an RPM sufficient to supply 60 Hz current and voltage. The circuitry can be powered off of a supplemental alternator contained in an engine starting motor assembly (when an electric start function is provided) or off of a separate output coil in the source.
In another aspect, the wheels can be rotatably supported on a molded hub. The hub can slidably engage a non-rotating axle that could have a non-circular cross section. A portion of the hub can rotatably support a wheel. The wheel can be retained on one side by a biased latch (enabling the wheel to slide thereover for installation) and a non-rotating cap carried on the hub.
Cord retainers formed as elongated wire or plastic members slidably receive electrical cords to be connected to electrical output ports of the system. The retainers inhibit accidental disconnection of the cords from the ports.
Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings.
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Coleman Powermate, Inc.
Ponomarenko Nicholas
Rockey Milnamow & Katz Ltd.
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