Hybrid power equipment
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A walk-behind mower comprising:
- a deck;
a handle fastened to the deck;
a plurality of wheels associated with the deck;
a first electric motor operatively coupled with at least one of said wheels and being configured to rotate said coupled wheel;
an operator interface attached to the handle for receiving input from an operator;
an internal combustion engine associated with the deck and having a drive shaft;
a generator operatively coupled to the engine, the generator being configured to generate electrical power for use in operating the first electric motor; and
a motion controller configured to receive electrical power from the generator and for selectively directing the electrical power to the first electric motor in response to input at the operator interface.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A power equipment apparatus includes an internal combustion engine and a generator operatively coupled to the engine, wherein the generator is configured to generate electrical power. A driven element such as a wheel is configured to be driven by an actuator, wherein the actuator is configured to receive electrical power from the generator.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A walk-behind mower comprising:
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a deck;
a handle fastened to the deck;
a plurality of wheels associated with the deck;
a first electric motor operatively coupled with at least one of said wheels and being configured to rotate said coupled wheel;
an operator interface attached to the handle for receiving input from an operator;
an internal combustion engine associated with the deck and having a drive shaft;
a generator operatively coupled to the engine, the generator being configured to generate electrical power for use in operating the first electric motor; and
a motion controller configured to receive electrical power from the generator and for selectively directing the electrical power to the first electric motor in response to input at the operator interface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A mower having a hybrid propulsion system, the mower comprising:
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a first drive wheel;
a second drive wheel;
a first electric motor operatively coupled with the first drive wheel and being configured to rotate the first drive wheel;
a second electric motor operatively coupled with the second drive wheel and being configured to rotate the second drive wheel;
an operator interface being configured to provide an operator with an ability to direct the operation of the first and second electric motors;
an internal combustion engine;
a generator operatively coupled to the engine, wherein the generator is at least partially integral with the engine and is configured to generate electrical power for use in operating the first and second electric motors; and
a motion controller configured to receive electrical power from the generator and for independently operating each of the first and second electric motors in response to signals from the operator interface, wherein the independent operation of the first and second electric motors facilitates steering of the mower. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A power equipment apparatus having a hybrid propulsion system, the power equipment apparatus comprising:
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a driven element;
an actuator operatively coupled to the driven element;
an operator interface for receiving input from an operator;
an internal combustion engine;
a generator having a rotor and a coil assembly, the rotor being rotationally movable with respect to the coil assembly, the rotor and coil assembly being at least partially integrated with the engine such that the rotational movement of the rotor provides sufficient inertia in the engine to facilitate ongoing engine operation, the generator being configured to generate electrical power for use in operating the actuator; and
a motion controller configured to receive electrical power from the generator and for selectively directing this electrical power to the actuator in response to input at the operator interface. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
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22. A walk-behind mower comprising:
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a handle fastened to a deck and supporting a drive lever;
a plurality of wheels associated with the deck, wherein at least one of said wheels is operatively coupled to a single electric motor configured to rotate said coupled wheel;
an internal combustion engine associated with the deck and having a drive shaft;
a mowing blade mechanically coupled to the drive shaft;
a generator operatively coupled to the engine, wherein the generator is at least partially integral with the engine and is configured to generate electrical power; and
,a motion controller configured to receive electrical power from the generator and to selectively facilitate provision of this electrical power to the electric motor in response to engagement by an operator of the drive lever.
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Specification