Low fuel shut off for a portable welder generator
First Claim
1. A portable engine-driven welder, comprising:
- an electric generator;
an engine coupled to the generator to drive the generator to produce electric power;
a fuel supply tank for storing fuel for the engine;
a fuel sensor for detecting a level of fuel in the fuel tank; and
a controller coupled to the engine for controlling operation of the engine and to the fuel sensor, the controller receiving signals from the sensor indicative of fuel level in the fuel tank and disabling the engine if the fuel level drops below a desired level; and
an audible alarm coupled to the controller for providing notice to a user prior to disabling the engine, the alarm configured to alert the user welding at a location remote from the engine and generator.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A low fuel shut off for a portable engine-driven welder is disclosed that disables the engine when the fuel level drops below a desired level. The system includes a controller configured to receive the current fuel level signal from a fuel sensor positioned in or near the fuel tank. The controller is connected to a maintenance display that may include a fuel gauge, a visual alarm, and an audible alarm. The controller regulates the fuel supply by actuating a valve and closing the valve when the fuel level drops below the desired level. The low fuel shut off works in conjunction with a visual and/or an audible alarm alerting the operator before and/or after the engine is disabled. The controller is configured to receive data from other engine sensors and can disable the engine if the parameters reach a specified level.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A portable engine-driven welder, comprising:
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an electric generator; an engine coupled to the generator to drive the generator to produce electric power; a fuel supply tank for storing fuel for the engine; a fuel sensor for detecting a level of fuel in the fuel tank; and a controller coupled to the engine for controlling operation of the engine and to the fuel sensor, the controller receiving signals from the sensor indicative of fuel level in the fuel tank and disabling the engine if the fuel level drops below a desired level; and an audible alarm coupled to the controller for providing notice to a user prior to disabling the engine, the alarm configured to alert the user welding at a location remote from the engine and generator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 6, 7, 8)
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4. (canceled)
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5. (canceled)
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9. A portable engine-driven welder, comprising:
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an electric generator; an engine coupled to the generator to drive the generator to produce electric power; a fuel supply tank for storing fuel for the engine; a fuel sensor for detecting a level of fuel in the fuel tank; a controller coupled to the engine for controlling operation of the engine and to the fuel sensor, the controller receiving signals from the sensor indicative of fuel level in the fuel tank and disabling the engine if the fuel level drops below a desired level; welding cables for delivering welding power to a work piece location remote from the engine and generator; and an audible alarm coupled to the controller for providing notice to a user welding at a location remote from the engine and generator prior to disabling the engine. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for controlling a portable engine-driven welder, comprising:
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generating electrical power via a generator driven by an engine; providing the electrical power to a work piece location remote from the engine and generator via welding cables; delivering fuel to the engine from a fuel tank; detecting a level of fuel in the fuel tank; and disabling the engine if the fuel level drops below a desired level; and generating an audible alarm of sufficient magnitude to alert a user, welding at a location remote from the engine and generator, of a change in fuel level. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
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15. -18. (canceled)
Specification