U.S. patent application number 09/749363 was filed with the patent office on 2002-06-27 for fuel demand regulator.
Invention is credited to Chen, Dawei, Kern, Robert D., Ruehlow, Gerald C., Turner, Chris, Vranak, Jeff.
Application Number | 20020078927 09/749363 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25013433 |
Filed Date | 2002-06-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020078927 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Turner, Chris ; et
al. |
June 27, 2002 |
Fuel demand regulator
Abstract
A fuel regulator is provided for regulating the supply of fuel
to a multi-cylinder engine. The regulator includes a regulator body
defining a holding chamber connectable to a fuel source; a first
supply chamber connectable to a first cylinder of the
multi-cylinder engine; and a second supply chamber connectable to a
second cylinder of the multi-cylinder engine. Orifices are provided
between the supply chambers and the holding chamber. A first
regulating structure is movable between a closed position wherein
the orifice between the holding chamber and the first supply
chamber is closed and an open position wherein the orifice between
the holding chamber and the supply chamber is open in response to
the fuel demanded by the first cylinder of the multi-cylinder
engine. A second regulating structure is also movable between a
closed position wherein the orifice between the holding chamber and
the second supply chamber is closed and an open position wherein
the orifice between the holding chamber and the second supply
chamber is opened in response to the fuel demanded by the second
cylinder of the engine.
Inventors: |
Turner, Chris; (Whitewater,
WI) ; Kern, Robert D.; (Waukesha, WI) ;
Ruehlow, Gerald C.; (Oconomowoc, WI) ; Vranak,
Jeff; (Whitewater, WI) ; Chen, Dawei;
(Brookfield, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BOYLE FREDRICKSON NEWHOLM STEIN & GRATZ, S.C.
250 E. WISCONSIN AVENUE
SUITE 1030
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202
US
|
Family ID: |
25013433 |
Appl. No.: |
09/749363 |
Filed: |
December 27, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
123/446 ;
123/457 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F02M 21/0215 20130101;
F02M 21/0233 20130101; F02M 21/0239 20130101; Y02T 10/32 20130101;
F02M 21/0212 20130101; Y02T 10/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
123/446 ;
123/457 |
International
Class: |
F02M 001/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A regulator for regulating the supply of fuel to an engine,
comprising: a regulator body including a holding chamber
connectable to a fuel source, a supply chamber connectable to the
engine and an orifice therebetween; a solenoid connectable to the
engine and being movable between a closed position preventing the
flow of fuel into the holding chamber and an open position allowing
the flow of fuel into the holding chamber in response to activation
of the engine; and a regulating structure movable between a closed
position wherein the orifice is closed and an open position wherein
the orifice is open in response to the demand for fuel by the
engine.
2. The regulator of claim 1 further comprising: a fuel source
conduit having an input connectable to the fuel source and an
output communicating with the holding chamber in the regulator
body; and an engine conduit having an input communicating with the
supply chamber in the regulator body and an output connectable to
the engine.
3. The regulator of claim 2 further comprising a fuel adjuster
extending into the engine conduit, the fuel adjuster being movable
between first and second positions for regulating the volume of
fuel flowing therepast.
4. The regulator of claim 1 wherein the regulating structure
includes: a lever having first and second opposite ends and being
pivotably mounted to the regulator body within the supply chamber,
the lever pivotable between a first closing position and a second
open position; and a seal mounted on the first end of the lever,
the seal overlapping the orifice with the lever in the closing
position.
5. The regulator of claim 4 wherein the regulating structure
further includes a diaphragm interconnected to the second end of
the lever, the diaphragm movable within the supply chamber in
response to the fuel demand by the engine between a first position
wherein the lever is the closing position and a second position
wherein the lever is the open position.
6. The regulator of claim 5 further comprising a biasing structure
for urging the diaphragm towards the first position.
7. A regulator for regulating the supply of fuel to each cylinder
of a multiple cylinder engine, comprising: a regulator body
defining a first supply chamber and a second supply chamber, each
supply chamber connectable to a fuel source; a first cylinder
conduit having an input communicating with the first supply chamber
in the regulator body and an output connectable to a first cylinder
of the engine; and a second cylinder conduit having an input
communicating with the second supply chamber in the regulator body
and an output connectable to a second cylinder of the engine.
8. The regulator of claim 7 further comprising a fuel source
conduit having an input connectable to a fuel source and an output
communicating with the first and second supply chambers in the
regulator body.
9. The regulator of claim 7 wherein the regulator body further
defines a holding chamber and includes a first orifice between the
holding chamber and the first supply chamber and a second orifice
between the holding chamber and the second supply chamber and
wherein the output of the fuel source conduit communicates with the
holding chamber.
10. The regulator of claim 9 further comprising a solenoid
connectable to the engine and being movable in response to
activation of the engine between a closed position wherein the flow
of fuel from the fuel source conduit to the holding chamber is
prevented and an open position wherein the flow of fuel from the
fuel source conduit to the holding chamber is allowed.
11. The regulator of claim 9 further comprising: a first regulating
structure movable between a closed position wherein the first
orifice is closed and open position wherein the first orifice is
open in response to the fuel demanded by the first cylinder of the
engine; and a second regulating structure movable between a closed
position wherein the second orifice is closed and open position
wherein the second orifice is open in response to the fuel demanded
by the second cylinder of the engine.
12. The regulator of claim 11 wherein the first regulating
structure includes: a lever having first and second opposite ends
and being pivotably mounted to the regulator body within the first
supply chamber, the lever pivotable between a first closing
position and a second open position; a seal mounted on the first
end of the lever, the seal overlapping the first orifice with the
lever in the closing position; and a diaphragm moveably disposed in
the first supply chamber and being interconnected to the second end
of the lever such that the diaphragm moves the lever between the
closing and open positions in response to the fuel demanded by the
engine.
13. The regulator of claim 12 wherein the second regulating
structure includes: a lever having first and second opposite ends
and being pivotably mounted to the regulator body within the second
supply chamber, the lever pivotable between a first closing
position and a second open position; a seal mounted on the first
end of the lever of the second regulating structure, the seal of
the second regulating structure overlapping the second orifice with
the lever of the second regulating structure in the closing
position; and a diaphragm moveably disposed in the second supply
chamber and being interconnected to the second end of the lever of
the second regulating structure such that the diaphragm of the
second regulating structure moves the lever of the second
regulating structure between the closing and open positions in
response to the fuel demanded by the second cylinder of the
engine.
14. The regulator of claim 7 further comprising: a first fuel
adjuster extending into the first cylinder conduit, the first fuel
adjuster movable between first and second positions for regulating
the volume of fuel flowing therepast; and a second fuel adjuster
extending into the second cylinder conduit, the second fuel
adjuster movable between first and second positions for regulating
the volume of fuel flowing therepast.
15. A system for regulating the flow of fuel to each cylinder of an
engine of a generator, comprising: a controller for sensing
activation of the generator; a regulator body defining a holding
chamber having an inlet, a first supply chamber having an outlet
and a second supply chamber having an outlet, the regulator body
including a first orifice between the holding chamber and the first
supply chamber and a second orifice between the holding chamber and
the second supply chamber; a fuel source conduit having an input
connectable to a fuel source and an output operatively connectable
to the input of the holding chamber in the regulator body; a first
cylinder conduit having an input operatively connected to the
output of the first supply chamber in the regulator body and an
output connectable to a first cylinder of the engine; a second
cylinder conduit having an input operatively connected to the
output of the second supply chamber in the regulator body and an
output connectable to a second cylinder of the engine; a solenoid
operatively connected to the controller and having a plunger, the
plunger movable between a first a closed position wherein the
plunger is seated within the inlet of the holding chamber so as to
prevent the flow of fuel into the holding chamber from the fuel
source conduit to a second open position wherein the plunger is
removed from the inlet of the holding chamber so as to allow the
flow of fuel into the holding chamber from the fuel source conduit
in response to the controller sensing activation of the engine; a
first regulating structure disposed in the first supply chamber and
being movable between a first closed configuration wherein the
first orifice is closed and a second open configuration wherein the
first orifice is open in response to the fuel demanded by the first
cylinder of the engine; and a second regulating structure disposed
in the second supply chamber and being movable between a first
closed configuration wherein the second orifice is closed and a
second open configuration wherein the second orifice is open in
response to the fuel demanded by the second cylinder of the
engine.
16. The system of claim 15 wherein the first regulating structure
includes: a lever having first and second opposite ends and being
pivotably mounted to the regulator body within the first supply
chamber, the lever pivotable between a first closing position
wherein the first regulating structure is in the closed
configuration and a second open position wherein the first
regulating structure is in the open configuration; a seal mounted
on the first end of the lever, the seal overlapping the first
orifice with the lever in the closing position; and a diaphragm
moveably disposed in the first supply chamber and being
interconnected to the second end of the lever such the diaphragm
moves the lever between the closing and open positions in response
to the fuel demand by the first cylinder of the engine.
17. The system of claim 16 wherein the second regulating structure
includes: a lever having first and second opposite ends and being
pivotably mounted to the regulator body within the second supply
chamber, the lever pivotable between a first closing position
wherein the second regulating structure is in the closed
configuration and a second open position wherein the second
regulating structure is in the open configuration; a seal mounted
on the first end of the lever of the second regulating structure,
the seal of the second regulating structure overlapping the second
orifice with the lever of the second regulating structure in the
closing position; and a diaphragm moveably disposed in the second
supply chamber and being interconnected to the second end of the
lever of the second regulating structure such that the diaphragm of
the second regulating structure moves the lever of the second
regulating structure between the closing and open positions in
response to the fuel demanded by the second cylinder of the
engine.
18. The system of claim 17 wherein the diaphragm of the first
regulating structure is movable between a first cut-off position
wherein the lever of the first regulating structure is in the
closing position and a second open position wherein the lever of
the first regulating structure is in the open position.
19. The system of claim 18 wherein the diaphragm of the second
regulating structure is movable between a first cut-off position
wherein the lever of the second regulating structure is in the
closing position and a second open position wherein the lever of
the second regulating structure is in the open position.
20. The system of claim 15 further comprising: a first fuel
adjuster extending into the first cylinder conduit, the first fuel
adjuster movable between first and second positions for regulating
the volume of fuel flowing therepast; and a second fuel adjuster
extending into the second cylinder conduit, the second fuel
adjuster movable between first and second positions for regulating
the volume of fuel flowing therepast.
21. The system of claim 15 wherein the holding chamber of the
regulator body includes a jet having an orifice of a predetermined
diameter, the jet receivable in the first cylinder conduit for
controlling the flow of fuel therethrough.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to fuel demand regulators
for engines, and in particular, to a fuel demand regulator which
provides fuel independently to each cylinder of a multi-cylinder
engine.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] As is known, engines are utilized in a wide variety of
applications including stand-by electrical generators. When used in
connection with a stand-by electrical generator, an engine
typically utilizes a pressurized fuel such as liquid propane and/or
natural gas. Further, the engine is often directly connected to the
fuel source in order that the generator may be automatically
activated in the event of a power outage. Various types of
regulator systems have been developed to interconnect the engine to
the fuel source in order to provide the proper volume of fuel to
the engine.
[0003] Heretofore, these prior art regulator systems typically
incorporate a regulator having the supply chamber operatively
connected to an input of an intake manifold. The outputs of the
intake manifold are interconnected to corresponding cylinders of
the engine. When the engine is started, fuel is drawn into the
intake manifold, and hence each cylinder of the engine, by a vacuum
generated by the engine during operation. While functional for its
intended purpose, the use of an engine manifold and a regulator
having a single chamber is inefficient since fuel is provided to
each cylinder of the engine at a common pressure. As a result, each
cylinder of the engine does not receive an optimum volume of fuel
during operation and the engine does not generate maximum
power.
[0004] In addition to the regulator, most of the prior art
regulator systems often incorporate an automatic shut-off mechanism
for preventing the fuel source from providing fuel to the regulator
when the engine of the stand-by electrical generator is not in
operation. This fuel shut-off feature is often required by state
law in order to increase the safety of the stand-by electrical
generator. By providing the automatic shut-off mechanism as a
separate component, the cost of prior regulator systems is
increased.
[0005] In addition to the automatic shut-off mechanism and the
regulator, prior art regulator systems incorporate a fuel adjuster
for adjusting the flow of fuel from the regulator to the intake
manifold. The fuel adjuster is necessary because the BTU content of
natural gas differs at different locations throughout the world. As
such, if the flow of fuel to the intake manifold of the engine was
fixed, in areas where the natural gas has a higher BTU content, an
engine would run rich and would be unable to achieve maximum power.
Similarly, in areas where the natural gas has a lower BTU content,
the engine would run lean and would be unable to achieve maximum
power.
[0006] Therefore, it is a primary object and feature of the present
invention to provide a regulator which provides fuel independently
to each cylinder of an engine.
[0007] It is a further object and feature of the present invention
to provide a regulator which incorporates an automatic shut-off
mechanism for controlling the flow of fuel to the regulator from a
fuel source.
[0008] It is a still further object and feature of the present
invention to provide a regulator which incorporates a fuel adjuster
in order that a user may adjust the flow of fuel from the regulator
to the cylinder of the engine.
[0009] It is a still further object and feature of the present
invention to provide a regulator which is simple and inexpensive to
manufacture.
[0010] In accordance with the present invention, a regulator is
provided for regulating the supply of fuel to an engine. The
regulator includes a regulator body defining a holding chamber
connectable to a fuel source, a supply chamber connectable to the
engine and an orifice therebetween. A solenoid is connectable to
the engine and moved between a closed position for preventing the
flow of fuel into the holding chamber and an open position allowing
the flow of fuel into the holding chamber in response to activation
of the engine. A regulating structure is movable between a closed
position wherein the orifice is closed and an open position wherein
the orifice is opened in response to the demand of fuel by the
engine.
[0011] The regulator may include a fuel source conduit having an
input connectable to the fuel source and an output communicating
with the holding chamber in the regulator body. An engine conduit
has an input communicating with the supply chamber in the regulator
body and an output connectable to the engine. A fuel adjuster
extends into the engine conduit. The fuel adjuster is movable
between first and second positions for regulating the volume of
fuel flowing therepast.
[0012] The regulating structure includes a lever having first and
second opposite ends. The lever is pivotably mounted to the
regulator body within the supply chamber and is pivotable between a
first closing position and a second open position. A seal is
mounted on the first end of the lever. The seal overlaps the
orifice with the lever in the closing position. The regulating
structure further includes a diaphragm interconnected to the second
end of the lever. The diaphragm is movable within the supply
chamber in response to the fuel demand of the engine between a
first position wherein the lever is in the closing position and the
second position wherein the lever is in the open position. A
biasing structure urges the diaphragm towards the first
position.
[0013] In accordance with a further aspect of the present
invention, a regulator is provided for regulating the supply of
fuel to each cylinder of a multi-cylinder engine. The regulator
includes a regulator body defining a first supply chamber and a
second supply chamber. Each supply chamber is connectable to a fuel
source. A first cylinder conduit has an input communicating with
the first supply chamber in the regulator body and an output
connectable to the first cylinder of the engine. A second cylinder
conduit has an input communicating with the second supply chamber
in the regulator body and an output connectable to a second
cylinder of the engine.
[0014] A fuel source conduit has an input connectable to a fuel
source and an output communicating with the first and second
chambers in the regulator body. The regulator body defines a
holding chamber and includes a first orifice between the holding
chamber and first supply chamber and a second orifice between the
second holding chamber and the second supply chamber. The output of
the fluid source conduit communicates with the holding chamber. A
solenoid is connectable to the engine and is movable in response to
activation of the engine between a closed position wherein the flow
of fluid from the fuel source conduit to the holding chamber is
prevented and an open position wherein the flow of fuel from the
fuel source conduit to the holding chamber is allowed.
[0015] The regulator may further include a first regulating
structure movable between the closed position wherein the first
orifice is closed and an open position wherein the first orifice is
opened in response to the fuel demanded by the first cylinder of
the engine. In addition, a second regulating structure is provided.
The second regulating structure is movable between a closed
position wherein the second orifice is closed and an open position
wherein the second orifice is opened in response to the fuel
demanded by the second cylinder of the engine.
[0016] The first regulating structure includes a lever having first
and second opposite ends. The lever of the first regulating
structure is pivotably mounted to the regulator body within the
first supply chamber and is pivotable between a first closing
position and a second open position. A seal is mounted on the first
end of the lever. The seal overlaps the first orifice with the
lever in the closing position. A diaphragm is movably disposed in
the first chamber and is interconnected to the second end of the
lever such that the diaphragm moves the lever between the closing
and open positions in response to the fuel demanded by the
engine.
[0017] The second regulating structure also includes a lever having
first and second opposite ends. The lever of the second regulating
structure is pivotably mounted to the regulator body within the
second supply chamber and is pivotable between a first closing
position and a second open position. A seal is mounted on the first
end of the lever of the second regulating structure. The seal of
the second regulating structure overlaps the second orifice with
the lever of the second regulating structure in the closing
position. A diaphragm is moveable disposed in the second supply
chamber and is interconnected to the second end of the lever of the
second regulating structure such that diaphragm of the second
regulating structure moves the lever of the second regulating
structure between the closing and open positions in response to the
fuel demanded by the second cylinder of the engine.
[0018] A first fuel adjuster extends into the first cylinder
conduit. The first fuel adjuster is movable between the first and
second positions for regulating the volume of fuel flowing
therepast. A second fuel adjuster extends into the second cylinder
conduit. The second fuel adjuster is movable between first and
second positions for regulating the volume of fuel therepast
[0019] In accordance with a still further aspect of the present
invention, a system is provided for regulating the flow of fluid to
each cylinder of an engine of a generator. The system includes a
controller for sensing activation of the generator. A regulator
body defines a holding chamber having an inlet, a first supply
chamber having an outlet, and a second supply chamber having an
outlet. The regulator body includes a first orifice between the
holding chamber and the first supply chamber and a second orifice
between the holding chamber and the second supply chamber. A fuel
source conduit has an input connectable to a fuel source and an
output operatively connected to the input of the holding chamber in
the regulator body. A first cylinder conduit has an input
operatively connected to the output of the first supply chamber in
the regulator body and an output connectable to the first cylinder
of the engine. A second cylinder conduit has an input operatively
connected to the output of the second supply chamber in the
regulator body and an output connectable to a second cylinder of
the engine. A solenoid is operatively connected to the controller.
The solenoid has a plunger which is movable between a first closed
position wherein the plunger is seated within the input to the
holding chamber so as to prevent the flow of fuel into the holding
chamber from the fuel source conduit and a second open position
wherein the plunger is removed from the input of the holding
chamber so as to allow the flow of fuel into the holding chamber
from the fuel source conduit in response to the controller sensing
activation of the engine. A first regulating structure is disposed
in the first supply chamber and is movable between a first closed
configuration wherein the first orifice is closed and a second open
configuration wherein the first orifice is open in response to the
fuel demanded by the first cylinder of the engine. A second
regulating structure is disposed in the second supply chamber. The
second regulating structure is movable between a first closed
configuration wherein the second orifice is closed and a second
open configuration wherein the second orifice is opened in response
to the fuel demanded by the second cylinder of the engine.
[0020] A first regulating structure includes a lever having first
and second opposite ends. The lever is pivotably mounted to the
regulator body within the first supply chamber and is pivotable
between a first closing position wherein the first regulating
structure is in the closed configuration and a second open position
wherein the first regulating structure is in the open
configuration. A seal is mounted on the first end of the lever of
the first regulating structure. The seal overlaps the first orifice
with the lever in the closed position. A diaphragm is moveably
disposed in the first supply chamber. The diaphragm is
interconnected to the second end of the lever such that the
diaphragm moves the lever between the closing and open positions in
response to the fuel demanded by the first cylinder of the
engine.
[0021] The second regulating structure includes a lever having
first and second opposite ends. The lever of the second regulating
structure is pivotably mounted to the regulator body within the
second supply chamber and is pivotable between a first closing
position wherein the second regulating structure is in the closed
configuration and a second open position wherein the second
regulating structure is in the open configuration. A seal is
mounted on the first end of the lever of the second regulating
structure. The seal of the second regulating structure overlaps the
second orifice when the lever of the second regulating structure is
in the closing position. A diaphragm is moveably disposed in the
second supply chamber. The diaphragm is interconnected to the
second end of the lever of the second regulator structure such that
the diaphragm of the second regulating structure moves the lever of
the second regulating structure between the closing and open
position in response to the fuel demanded by the second cylinder of
the engine.
[0022] The diaphragm of the first regulating structure is movable
between a first cutoff position wherein the lever of the first
regulating structure is in the closing position and a second open
position wherein the lever of the first regulating structure is in
the open position. The diaphragm of the second regulating structure
is also movable between a first cutoff position wherein the lever
of the second regulating structure is in the closing position and a
second open position wherein the lever of the second regulating is
in the open position.
[0023] It is contemplated that the system further include a first
fuel adjuster extending into the first cylinder conduit. The first
fuel adjuster being movable between first and second positions for
regulating the volume of fuel flowing therepast. A second fuel
adjuster extends into second cylinder conduit. The second fuel
adjuster is movable between first and the second positions for
regulating the volume of fuel flowing therepast. It is contemplated
that the holding chamber of the regulator body include a second
input for connecting the system to an alternate fuel source.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The drawings furnished herewith illustrate a preferred
construction of the present invention in which the above advantages
and features are clearly disclosed as well as others which will be
readily understood from the following description of the
illustrated embodiment.
[0025] In the drawings:
[0026] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a regulator in accordance
with the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 2A is an exploded view of a portion of the regulator of
FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 2B is an exploded view of a portion of the regulator of
FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the regulator of FIG. 1
taken along line 3-3;
[0030] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view, similar to FIG.
3, showing the regulator of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the regulator of FIG. 1
taken along line 5-5;
[0032] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the regulator of FIG. 1
taken along line 6-6; and
[0033] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a generator incorporating the
regulator of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, a regulator in accordance with the
present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral
10. As hereinafter described, it is intended that regulator 10
interconnect a fuel source to an engine 12 of a stand-by electrical
generator 11, FIG. 7. In the preferred embodiment, regulator 10 is
used in connection with a two-cylinder engine 12, FIG. 7, but it
can be appreciated that regulator 10 may be modified to be utilized
in connection with other types of engines, regardless of the number
of cylinders, without deviating from the scope of the present
invention.
[0035] As best seen in FIGS. 2A-2B and 3, regulator 10 includes a
regulator body 14 which includes a first holding chamber portion 16
and a supply chamber portion 18. Supply chamber portion 18 of
regulator body 14 includes first and second opposite sides 20 and
22 interconnected by an outer periphery 23.
[0036] Supply chamber portion 18 of regulator body 14 defines first
and second supply chambers 24 and 26, respectively, which project
inwardly from corresponding sides 20 and 22, respectively, thereof.
First and second supply chambers 24 and 26, respectively, are
separated by a central wall 28. Central wall 28 includes a first
surface 30 spaced from side 20 of regulator body 14 by surface 32.
It can be appreciated that first surface 30 of central wall 28 and
surface 32 within regulator body 14 partially define first supply
chamber 24. Central wall 28 includes a second surface 34 which is
generally parallel to and spaced from side 22 of regulator body 14
by surface 36 within regulator body 14. It can be appreciated that
second surface 34 of central wall 28 and surface 36 within
regulator body 14 partially define second supply chamber 26.
[0037] A generally conical spring retention member 38 projects
axially from first surface 30 of central wall 28 into first supply
chamber 24. A first end 40 of a spring 42 is positioned over spring
retention member 38 so as to prevent spring 42 from sliding along
first surface 30 of central wall 28. A second end 44 of spring 40
is interconnected to a lower end 46 of lever 48, and urges second
end 46 of lever 48 into contact with diaphragm structure 50, as
hereinafter described. Diaphragm structure 50 includes a generally
circular diaphragm 52 formed from a flexible material. Diaphragm 50
includes a radially outer edge 54 having a plurality of
circumferentially spaced ears 56 projecting radially therefrom.
Each ear 56 projecting from the outer edge 54 of diaphragm 52
includes a corresponding mounting aperture 58 therethrough.
[0038] Diaphragm support 60 is positioned against a first side 62
of diaphragm 52. Diaphragm support 60 is generally circular in
shape and has a diameter less than the diameter of diaphragm 52.
Diaphragm support 60 includes a central hub 63 and an outer ring 64
interconnected by a plurality of circumferentially spaced spokes
66. Diaphragm support 60 is interconnected to a first side 62 of
diaphragm 52 by a rivet 68 which extends through central hub 63 of
diaphragm support 60; through center 70 of diaphragm 52; and
through center of support disc 72 to maintain the connection
between diaphragm support 60 and diaphragm 52.
[0039] Diaphragm structure 50 further includes a ring-shaped gasket
or seal 74 having an inner edge 76 and a radially outer edge 78
with a plurality of ears 80 projecting radially therefrom. Ears 80
includes corresponding mounting apertures 82 therethrough which are
aligned with corresponding mounting apertures 58 in ears 56 of
diaphragm 52. Cover 84 is positioned adjacent second side 86 of
diaphragm 52. Cover 84 includes a cup-shaped inner portion 88
having a radially outer edge 90. A ring portion 92 is
interconnected to the radially outer edge 90 of inner portion 88.
Ring portion 92 includes a radially outer edge 94 having a
plurality of ears 96 projecting therefrom. Ears 96 include
corresponding mounting apertures 98 extending therethrough which
are aligned with corresponding mounting apertures 58 and 82 in
diaphragm 52 and in seal 74, respectively.
[0040] In order to mount diaphragm structure 50, seal 74 is
positioned adjacent first side 20 of regulator body 14 such that
radially inner edge 76 of seal 74 is aligned with the intersection
of side 20 and surface 32 of regulator body 14 such that mounting
apertures 82 through ears 80 of seal 74 are axially aligned with
corresponding mounting holes 100 extending through
circumferentially spaced lobes 102 projecting from the outer
periphery 18a of supply chamber portion 18 of regulator body 14.
Bolts 104 are threaded through corresponding mounting apertures 98
through ears 96 of cover 84; through corresponding mounting
apertures 58 through ears 56 of diaphragm 52; through corresponding
mounting apertures 82 through ears 80 of seal 74 and into
corresponding mounting holes 100 in lobes 102. In the assembled
configuration, rivet head 68a of rivet 68 engages lower end 46 of
lever 48 such that diaphragm 52 is free to be drawn into and out of
first supply chamber 24.
[0041] Lever 48 within first supply chamber 24 further includes a
pair of mounting flanges 106 projecting therefrom. Each mounting
flange 106 includes an opening 108 therethrough. As best seen in
FIGS. 2A-5, pin 110 extends through openings 108 in mounting
flanges 106. Opposite ends of pin 110 are seated within
corresponding openings 112 and 114 provided in mounting elements
116 and 118, respectively, which project into first supply chamber
24 from central wall 28. Bolts 120 are threaded into corresponding
openings 122 and 124 in mounting elements 116 and 118,
respectively, in order to retain ends of mounting pin 110 in
corresponding openings 112 and 114. In such a manner, lever 48 is
pivotably connected to regulator body 14. Sealing element 126 is
interconnected to upper end 128 of lever 48. Sealing element 126
includes seal 134 connected to second end 128 of lever 48 by molded
projection 132 or the like which projects from a side of seal 134
into an opening in second end 128 of lever 48. Seal 134 is of
sufficient dimension so as to overlap orifice 136 in holding
chamber portion 16 of regulator body 14, for reasons hereinafter
described. Backing member 130 is seated on projection 132 to
provide rigidity to seal 134.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2B, a generally conical spring
retention member 138 projects axially from second surface 34 of
central wall 28 into first supply chamber 24. A first end 140 of a
spring 142 is positioned over spring retention member 138 so as to
prevent spring 142 from sliding along second surface 34 of central
wall 28. A second end 144 of spring 140 is interconnected to a
lower end 146 of lever 148, and urges second end 146 of lever 148
into contact with diaphragm structure 150, as hereinafter
described. Diaphragm structure 150 includes a generally circular
diaphragm 152 formed from a flexible material. Diaphragm 152
includes a radially outer edge 154 having a plurality of
circumferentially spaced ears 156 projecting radially therefrom.
Each ear 156 projecting from the outer edge 154 of diaphragm 152
includes a corresponding mounting aperture 158 therethrough.
[0043] Diaphragm support 160 is positioned against first side 162
of diaphragm 152. Diaphragm support 160 is generally circular in
shape and has a diameter less than the diameter of diaphragm 152.
Diaphragm support 160 includes a central hub 163 and an outer ring
164 interconnected by a plurality of circumferentially spaced
spokes 166. Diaphragm support 160 is interconnected to first side
162 of diaphragm 152 by rivet 168 which extends through central hub
163 of diaphragm support 160; through center 170 of diaphragm 152;
and through the center of support disc 172 to maintain the
connection between diaphragm support 160 and diaphragm 152.
[0044] Diaphragm structure 150 further includes a ring-shaped
gasket or seal 174 having an inner edge 176 and a radially outer
edge 178 with a plurality of ears 180 projecting radially
therefrom. Ears 180 includes corresponding mounting apertures 182
therethrough which are aligned with corresponding mounting
apertures 158 in ears 156 of diaphragm 152. Cover 184 is positioned
adjacent second side 186 of diaphragm 152. Cover 184 includes a
cup-shaped inner portion 188 having a radially outer edge 190. A
ring portion 192 is interconnected to the radially outer edge 190
of inner portion 188. Ring portion 192 includes a radially outer
edge 194 having a plurality of ears 196 projecting therefrom. Ears
196 include corresponding mounting apertures 198 extending
therethrough which are aligned with corresponding mounting
apertures 158 and 182 in diaphragm 152 and in seal 174,
respectively.
[0045] In order to mount diaphragm structure 150, seal 174 is
positioned adjacent second side 22 of regulator body 14 such that
radially inner edge 176 of seal 74 is aligned with the intersection
of side 22 and surface 36 of regulator body 14 such that mounting
apertures 182 through ears 180 of seal 174 are axially aligned with
corresponding mounting holes 200 extending through
circumferentially spaced lobes 202 projecting from the outer
periphery 18a of supply chamber portion 18 of regulator body 14.
Bolts 204 are threaded through corresponding mounting apertures 198
through ears 196 of cover 184; through corresponding mounting
apertures 158 through ears 156 of diaphragm 152; through
corresponding mounting apertures 182 through ears 180 of seal 174
and into corresponding mounting holes 200 in lobes 202. In the
assembled configuration, rivet head 168a of rivet 168 engages lower
end 146 of lever 148 such that diaphragm 152 is free to be drawn
into and out of second supply chamber 26.
[0046] Lever 148 within second supply chamber 26 further includes a
pair of mounting flanges 206 projecting therefrom. Each mounting
flange 206 includes an opening 208 therethrough. Pin 210 extends
through openings 208 in mounting flanges 206. Opposite ends of pin
210 are seated within corresponding openings 212 and 214 provided
in mounting elements 216 and 218, respectively, which project into
second supply chamber 26 from central wall 28. Bolts 220 are
threaded into corresponding openings 222 and 224 in mounting
elements 216 and 218, respectively, in order to retain ends of
mounting pin 210 in corresponding openings 212 and 214. In such a
manner, lever 148 is pivotably connected to regulator body 14.
Sealing element 226 is interconnected to upper end 228 of lever
148. Sealing element 226 includes seal 234 connected to second end
228 of lever 148 by molded projection 232 or the like which
projects from a side of seal 234 into an opening in second end 228
of lever 48. Seal 234 is of sufficient dimension so as to overlap
orifice 236 in holding chamber portion 16 of regulator body 14, for
reasons hereinafter described. Backing member 230 is seated on
projection 232 to provide rigidity to seal 234.
[0047] Holding chamber portion 16 of regulator body 14 includes a
generally cylindrical wall 240 having an inner surface 242 which
defines holding chamber 244. Cylindrical wall 240 includes orifices
136 and 236 therethrough which allow corresponding supply chambers
24 and 26, respectively, to communicate with holding chamber 244.
Cylindrical wall 240 includes an upper end 246 which defines an
inlet 248 for reasons hereinafter described.
[0048] Holding chamber portion 16 of regulator body 14 includes
fuel inlet chamber 250 which extends about the outer surface 252 of
cylindrical wall 240 and along the longitudinal axis of holding
chamber 244. First inlet 254 through holding chamber portion 16 of
regulator body 14 communicates with fuel inlet chamber 250 and is
adapted for receiving an end of fuel source conduit 256. Fuel
source conduit 256 interconnects regulator 10 to a fuel source,
such as a natural gas or liquid propane vapor. Second inlet 257
through holding chamber portion 16 of regulator body 14
communicates with fuel inlet chamber 250 and may be used to allow
communication with the interior of molding chamber portion 16 of
regulator body 14 for testing or the like. Plug 258 is threadable
into second inlet 257 when second inlet 257 is not in use. Jet 259
having an orifice therethrough may be threaded into a blind orifice
in the outer periphery 23 of regulator body 14 for storage. In
circumstances when an alternate fuel source such as liquid propane
is used, jet 259 is removed from outer periphery 23 of regulator
body 14 and positioned within corresponding passageway 280 and 314
in holding chamber portion 16 to reduce the diameter of such
passageway and to control the flow of fuel therethrough.
[0049] Solenoid 260 is interconnected to the upper surface 262 of
holding chamber portion of regulator body 14 by bolt 263 and is
operatively connected to a controller 264 through line 266, FIG. 7.
Solenoid 260 includes a plunger 268 movable between a first
retracted position, FIG. 3, and a second extended position, FIG. 4.
Plunger 268 includes terminal end 270 having seal 272 mounted
thereon. Seal 272 is of a sufficient dimension such that when
plunger 268 is in the extended position, FIG. 4, seal 272 engages
upper end 242 of cylindrical wall 240 and overlaps inlet 248 to
holding chamber 244. A spring 274 is positioned about plunger 268
so as to urge plunger 268 towards the extended position, FIG.
4.
[0050] Holding chamber portion 16 of regulator body 14 further
includes a first passageway 280 therethrough. First passageway 280
includes an inlet 282 which communicates with first supply chamber
24 in supply chamber portion 18 of regulator body 14 and outlet
284. Barbed fitting 286 is threaded into outlet 284 of first
passageway 280. Barbed fitting 286 is adapted for receiving a first
end of conduit 288, FIG. 7, which interconnects regulator 10 to a
first cylinder of two-cylinder engine 12.
[0051] Fuel adjuster 290 is provided for controlling the flow of
fuel through first passageway 280 through holding chamber portion
16 of regulator body 14. Fuel adjuster 290 is generally cylindrical
in shape and includes a first threaded end 292 which is threaded
through an opening 294 in holding chamber portion 16 of regulator
body 14 and a second opposite end 296. Pin 298 projects radially
from fuel adjuster 290 adjacent end 296. It can be appreciated that
as fuel adjuster 290 is threaded into and out of opening 294 in
holding chamber portion 16 of regulator body 14, end 292 of fuel
adjuster 290 moves into and out of interfering relationship with
first passageway 280 through holding chamber portion 16 of
regulator body 14 thereby controlling the volume of fuel flowing
therepast. Regulating pin 300 may be selectively positioned within
one of a plurality of openings 302a-d so as to limit the travel of
fuel adjuster 290 in opening 294 through holding chamber portion 16
of regulator body 14. Operation of fuel adjuster 290 is fully
described in Haworth et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,071 assigned to
the assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by
reference.
[0052] Holding chamber portion 16 of regulator body 14 further
includes a second passageway 314 therethrough. Second passageway
314 includes an inlet (not shown) which communicates with second
supply chamber 26 in supply chamber portion 18 of regulator body 14
and outlet 318. A barbed fitting 320 is threaded into outlet end
318 of second passageway 314. Barbed fitting 320 is adapted for
receiving a first end of conduit 322, FIG. 7, which interconnects
regulator 10 to a second cylinder of two-cylinder engine 12.
[0053] Fuel adjuster 324 is provided for controlling the flow of
fuel through second passageway 314 through holding chamber portion
16 of regulator body 14. Fuel adjuster 324 is generally cylindrical
in shape and includes a first threaded end 326 which is threaded
through opening 328 in holding chamber portion 16 of regulator body
14 and a second opposite end 330. Pin 332 projects radially from
fuel adjuster 324 adjacent end 330. It can be appreciated that as
fuel adjuster 324 is threaded into and out of opening 328 in
holding chamber portion 16 of regulator body 14, end 326 of fuel
adjuster 324 moves into and out of interfering relationship with
second passageway 314 through holding chamber portion 16 of
regulator body 14 thereby controlling the volume of fuel flowing
therepast. Regulating pin 334 may be selectively positioned within
one of a plurality of openings 336a-d so as to limit the travel of
fuel adjuster 314 in opening 328 in holding chamber portion 16 of
regulator body 14. As with fuel adjuster 290, operation of fuel
adjuster 324 is fully described in Haworth et al., U.S. Pat. No.
6,068,017 previously incorporated herein by reference.
[0054] In operation, fuel is delivered from the fuel source to fuel
inlet chamber 250 through fuel source conduit 256. With solenoid
260 non-energized, plunger 268 of solenoid 260 is in the second,
extended position, FIG. 4, such that the flow of fuel from fuel
inlet chamber 250 to holding chamber 244 is prevented. Current
sensor 340 of stand-by electrical generator 11 monitors the current
provided by an AC source, such as a utility company, on line 342.
Upon detection of a power outage, controller 264, operatively
connected to current sensor 340, energizes solenoid 260 such that
plunger 268 moves to the retracted position, FIG. 3. In addition,
controller 264 directs starter 344 to start two-cylinder engine
12.
[0055] With plunger 268 of solenoid 260 in the retracted position,
FIG. 3, fuel is allowed to flow from fuel inlet chamber 250 into
holding chamber 244 through inlet 248. When the two-cylinder engine
12 is cranked by starter 344, a vacuum is generated by each
cylinder of two-cylinder engine 12. First cylinder of two-cylinder
engine 12 generates a vacuum through conduit 288; first passageway
280; and first supply chamber 24. As a vacuum is generated in first
supply chamber 24, diaphragm 52 is drawn into first supply chamber
24 against the bias of spring 42. As diaphragm 52 is drawn into
first supply chamber 24, rivet head 68a of rivet 68 engages lower
end 46 of lever 48 and urges lower end 46 of lever 48 towards
central wall 28. As lower end 46 of lever 48 is urged towards
central wall 28, lever 48 pivots on mounting pin 110 such that seal
134 interconnected to upper end 128 of lever 48 disengages from
orifice 136 in holding chamber portion 16 of regulator body 14
allowing holding chamber 244 to communicate with first supply
chamber 24. As a result, the fuel in holding chamber 244 is drawn
by the vacuum generated by the first cylinder of the two-cylinder
engine 12 through first supply chamber 24; first passageway 280;
and conduit 288 into the first cylinder of two-cylinder engine 12.
The volume of fuel flowing through first passageway 280 through
holding chamber portion 16 of regulator body 14 is controlled by
fuel adjuster 290 as heretofore described.
[0056] In addition, second cylinder of two-cylinder engine 12
generates a vacuum through conduit 322; second passageway 314 and
second supply chamber 26. As a vacuum is generated in second supply
chamber 26, diaphragm 152 is drawn into second supply chamber 26
against the bias of spring 142. As diaphragm 152 is drawn into
second supply chamber 26, rivet head 168a of rivet 168 engages
lower end 146 of lever 148 and urges lower end 146 of lever 148
towards central wall 128. As lower end 146 of lever 148 is urged
towards center wall 28, lever 148 pivots on mounting pin 210 such
that seal 234 interconnected to upper end 228 of lever 148
disengages from orifice 236 in holding chamber portion 16 of
regulator body 14 allowing holding chamber 244 to communicate with
second supply chamber 26. As a result, the fuel in holding chamber
244 is drawn by the vacuum generated by the second cylinder of the
two-cylinder engine 12 through second supply chamber 26; second
passageway 314; and conduit 312 into the second cylinder of
two-cylinder engine 12. The volume of fuel flowing through second
passageway 314 through holding chamber portions 16 of regulator
body 14 is controlled by fuel adjuster 324 as heretofore
described.
[0057] As is conventional, during operation, engine 12 drives AC
power generator 346 which produces AC power on line 348. It can be
appreciated that as more fuel is required by each cylinder of
two-cylinder engine 12, a greater vacuum will be generated thereby
drawing diaphragms 52 and 152 further into corresponding supply
chambers 24 and 26, respectively, and further opening orifices 136
and 236 in regulator body 14. Further, it is noted that each time a
cylinder or piston comes down in two-cylinder engine 12, a negative
pressure is created thereby urging diaphragms 52 and 152 back
towards their original position. In other words, diaphragms 52 and
152 continually vibrate during operation of two-cylinder engine
12.
[0058] Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated
as being within the scope of the following claims particularly
pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is
regarded as the invention.
* * * * *