WO1998038729A1

WO1998038729A1 - Portable power generator

Info

Publication number: WO1998038729A1
Application number: PCT/US1998/003851
Authority: WO
Inventors: Clifton Gerard Anderson
Original assignee: Clifton Gerard Anderson
Priority date: 1997-02-28
Filing date: 1998-02-27
Publication date: 1998-09-03
Also published as: AU6441998A

Abstract

An apparatus for generating a constant source of electrical power in remote locations in the field for use while camping or hunting, in vehicles, on water craft, etc., or for providing power during emergencies due to power failures, accidents, storms, or natural catastrophies. A safely and efficiently operating power generator (100) that makes a minimal intrusion upon the environment is provided comprising a low horsepower gasoline-powered engine (25) which drives a permanent magnet 12-volt AC/DC generator (2) having a built-in electronic governor circuit for sustaining a constant DC output. Constructed with suitably sized resonator and inherent governor circuit, the present invention affords a constant output and quiet operation for use in vehicles, on water craft, and in the field to provide electricity for illumination or for operating common 12-volt appliances.

Description

PORTABLEPOWERGENERATOR

Background of the Invention This invention relates to power generation, and more particularly relates to a portable apparatus for providing power at remote locations in the field, in automobiles and other vehicles, on boats and other water craft, and the like.

As is well known by those skilled in the art, the activities of sportsman, fisherman and workers in the field are severely limited by the duration of daylight. A fisherman who discovers and enjoys an aquatic paradise must abandon such location when darkness falls; indeed, for safety reasons, fishing activities should be terminated prior to the onset of darkness. Similarly, the activities of hunters are generally limited to daylight hours and such hunting activities should preferably be terminated prior to the onset of sunset to avoid accidents and injuries. It will be appreciated by those conversant with the art that, if a portable source of power were available which caused no more than minimal impact upon the natural sportsmans' environment, then electricity could be used to provide illumination via suitably designed portable lighting assemblies.

Those skilled in the art are aware of mobile illumination structures that are used to enable highway construction to be conducted during non-peak times, typically at night or during early morning hours. The same or similar structures are also used to provide illumination for filming activities at night or during early morning hours. While affording commercial advantage to construction or filming crews, these elaborate and expensive structures are inapposite of the needs of the individual sportsman and the like. To be useful to sportsman, power and lighting accessories must be portable in the sense of being lightweight and compact. Furthermore, such sources of power and illumination must be inherently safe and should preferably operate quietly to sustain natural environmental conditions.

For example, Baker discloses in U. S. Patent No.4,376,250 a power source intended for operating power tools on construction job sites. This apparatus may be attached to an automobile or truck and transported to a particular job site. To avoid safety hazards associated with the use of combustible fuels to generate sufficient electricity to drive construction tools and the like, noiseless and conventional automotive batteries are used. Transformers and sophisticated semiconductor circuits are needed to regulate the generated 115 volt AC power output. Similarly, in U.S. Patent No. 5,272,609, Nelson teaches a mobile, albeit cumbersome and heavy, apparatus for lighting a construction site and the like, comprising a metal cart with a heavy duty battery.

Another important need for such portable and safe power is to provide electricity during emergencies such as power failures, natural disasters, etc. While battery-operated appliances are well known in the art, ultimately the power stored in batteries is consumed and the batteries must be recharged or replaced. A portable source of power as contemplated under the present invention may be used to charge batteries and to power a diversity of appliances. For example, portable electrically powered refrigeration units and the like are designed for use in automobiles and on boats using conventional power sources and under exigent circumstances. There are, of course, several other popular 12-volt driven appliances used in vehicles and on boats using conventional power sources. The availability of a convenient and portable power supply would enhance the utility of such portable appliances.

There have been several developments in the art to provide power and illumination to workers and sportsmen in the field. For example, in U. S. Patent No. 5,555,852, Bowen discloses a portable AC power generator designed to be carried on a worker's back. The Bowen apparatus uses middle distillate fuels to drive the engine, but is too cumbersome and heavy to be routinely hand-held to be carried and safely operated on boats and other sporting environments. As another example, Yokoyama, in U.S. Patent No. 5,212,952, teaches a compact apparatus using a water-cooled 2-cycle gas-fueled engine to generate power. Steele teaches, in U. S. Patent No. 4,870,811 , a gasoline powered AC power supply for operating electrical lawn mowers and auxiliary electrical hand tools. In U.S. Patent Nos. 4,751,629 and 4,918,592, Shimuzu discloses embodiments of a portable apparatus for regulating AC or DC power.

Notwithstanding these and related developments in the art, there appears to be no apparatus which provides sufficient portability and safety for use in the field even under frequently encountered water-wet conditions. Thus, it would be advantageous to have access to a simple, lightweight and safe apparatus which generates sufficient power to operate a diversity of 12 volt appliances and equipment to provide illumination during periods of darkness, and to charge batteries, in the field.

Accordingly, the limitations and disadvantages of the prior art are overcome with Accordingly, the limitations and disadvantages of the prior art are overcome with the present invention, and improved means and techniques are provided which are useful for making available remote power for common 12 volt appliances and the like, tools and equipment in the field during fishing, camping, and various other outdoor activities and during emergencies.

Summary of the Invention The present invention provides an apparatus for generating a constant source of electrical power in remote locations in the field for use while camping or hunting, while fishing on boats, etc., or for providing power during emergencies due to power failures, accidents, storms, or natural catastrophies. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present invention inherently provides a safely and efficiently operating power generator that makes a minimal intrusion upon the environment heretofore unknown in the art.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a low horsepower gasoline-powered engine which drives a permanent magnet 12-volt AC or DC generator having an inherent governor circuit for sustaining a constant DC output. As will be hereinafter described in detail, the present invention teaches a quiet, cool-running, low RPM portable generator that may be conveniently run for protracted periods of time because of its particularly efficient operation attributable to a disproportionately high hp input engine means and a novel governor circuit means. Constructed with suitable muffler means and inherent electronic governor circuit means, the present invention affords a constant output and quiet operation especially advantageous for use in the field for campers, hunters, fishermen, etc., to provide electricity for illumination or for operating commonly used appliances and the like. The present invention includes a compact circuit that regulates the voltage output by the generator of the present invention. Without adding noticeable bulk or weight to the apparatus taught by the present invention, this governor circuit replaces a conventional mechanical governor and assures that electrical output is constant enough to operate a notebook computer and similarly sensitive electrically-operated devices. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present invention is constructed to prevent intrusion from moisture and the like that are common hazards in the field. Accordingly, it electricity is provided by an unusually quiet and safe engine-generator combination.

The present invention also teaches a portable self-contained lighting assembly which may be integrated with the portable power supply which will be hereinafter described in detail. Preferably completely contained within a cylindrical enclosure, this lightweight illumination source may be conveniently assembled in the field and provide light during darkness and the like for protracted periods of time.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable lightweight and compact apparatus for generating low voltage DC power in the field.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for generating low voltage DC power without adversely affecting the environment.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a portable apparatus for generating constant low voltage DC power.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for efficiently and quietly generating constant low voltage DC power. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a portable apparatus for generating constant low voltage power applicable in vehicles and on boats and the like.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a portable apparatus for generating constant low voltage DC power applicable during camping, hunting, and other outdoors sporting activities. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a portable apparatus for providing power during emergencies.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a portable apparatus for generating constant low voltage DC power for providing illumination to prolong the available times for enjoying camping, hunting, and other outdoors sporting activities. It is still another object of the present invention to replace the conventional mechanical governor of a gasoline-engine with an electronic governor.

It is another object of the present invention to regulate the RPM of a gasoline- engine with an electronic governor through automatic loading and unloading of a DC generator by means of a Zener diode assembly. These and other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, wherein reference is made to the figures in the accompanying drawings wherein like numerals refer to like components.

In the Drawings FIG. 1 depicts a frontal partial cut-away view of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 depicts a frontal view of a portion of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts a plan view of a portion of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 depicts another frontal view of a portion of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 depicts an end view of the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 depicts a simplified frontal view of a portion of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 depicts a simplified perspective side view of a portion of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 depicts a simplified frontal view of a portion of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 depicts a simplified side view of a portion of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 depicts a simplified front view of a portion of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 depicts a diagram of a semiconductor regulator circuit according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 depicts a frontal perspective view of a light-stand assembly according to the present invention. Detailed Description

Now referring to FIG. 1, there is seen a frontal view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Depicted in FIG. 1 comprising portable power generator 2 are generator housing 100, liquid-fuel engine 25 and fuel tank 10 fixedly mounted upon base plate 180. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, base plate 180, preferably received abutably by rubber shock absorbers 190, should preferably be situated upon substantially horizontal ground in the field or on a flat portion of a boat bottom for security and safety purposes. Preferably concave groove 195 disposed in the top portion of shock absorber 190 is configured to retain base plate 180 therein. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the liquid fuel used in the preferred embodiment is conventional gasoline. Of course, other liquid fuels applicable in internal combustion engines contemplated by the present invention such as diesel fuel may be used.

Still referring FIG. 1 , gasoline engine 25 is fixedly attached to base plate 180 by pair of brackets 80. Also affixed to base plate 180 is fuel tank 10 which is fluidly interconnected with engine 25 through fuel line 12. Conventional gasoline cap 15 and fuel filter 20 assure the integrity of the gasoline fuel fed to engine 25 in a manner well known in the art. Engine 25 comprises spark plug 40 and spark plug wire 35 which function to ignite the gasoline flowing from fuel tank 10 to engine 25 through fuel line 12. Liquid fuel is thereby caused to ignite in a conventional manner in combustion chamber 30. The operation of gasoline engine 25 is initiated by pull-cord 45 in a manner well known in the art, and is similar to the pull-starts commonly performed to trigger the operation of lawn-mowers and outboard engines. Of course, it is within the contemplation of the present invention to start gasoline engine 25 using a conventional electrical starter and the like well known in the art.

Also depicted in FIG. 1 is shroud 50 which encases conventional flywheel and cooling fin assembly 55 and the ignition system as hereinbefore described. Gasoline engine 25 is interconnected with generator 125 through crankshaft 90. Generator 125 is preferably a permanent magnet DC type motor. Encased ball bearings 140 minimize friction on output shaft 90 connected from gasoline engine 25 to armature 110 which, in turn, rotates crankshaft 90. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, armature 110 is preferably constructed with a DC winding, whereby the DC current generated is harnessed in conventional commutator and brush assembly 130. Permanent magnet means is depicted by numeral 120. Output wires 200 deliver electricity generated from brushes 135 of commutator and brush assembly 130 to an electrical device such as lighting assembly 350 depicted in FIG. 7. Of course, the power generated by the present invention may be used to drive virtually any common 12- volt DC appliance and the like.

Referring now to FIGS . 1-6, there is depicted insulation 210 encasing and protecting circuit-breaker and fuse combination (not shown) and voltmeter 220. As shown specifically in FIG. 3, there is depicted a plan view of preferably aluminum base plate 180 comprising plurality of holes 182 A-D for mounting plurality of shock absorbers 190 A-D, plurality of holes 184 A-B for mounting engine 25 via engine brackets 80 A-B, and plurality of holes 186 A-D for mounting generator assembly 125 via bracket supports 160 A-D. Brackets 80 A-B and 160 A-D may be fixedly attached to base plate 180 with any suitable fastening means such as bolt 85.

FIG. 4 depicts shock absorber 190 contemplated by the present invention. Each of plurality of shock absorbers 190 A-D is received in a perpendicular orientation relative to the horizontal surface of base plate 180. Groove 195 disposed in the top portion of shock absorber 190 is configured to be abutably received by a corresponding aperture of plurality of apertures 182 A-D, whereupon shock absorbers 190 A-D contact the ground or boat surface or the like. It has been found that if shock absorber 190 is constructed with rubber having a hollow portion then additional flexibility is imparted thereto, whereby a diversity of surfaces and contours may be accommodated. Accordingly, shock absorber 190 is shown having axial cavity 197. As will be understood by practitioners in the art, the shock absorbers contemplated by the present invention may be bell-shaped to provide additional stability and to further isolate the apparatus taught by the present invention from vibration. It should also be understood that instead of embodying a base plate, the present invention may attach the shroud to the generator housing and the shock absorber means may be mounted directly on the housing containing the gasoline engine and generator. It will also be appreciated that the generator may even be suspended using spring means or elastic strap means under a hood or the like.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-6, there is shown exhaust system 250 incorporated into apparatus 2 of the present invention. In addition to providing the user protection from safety hazards associated with using gasoline-powered engines and the like in water-wet environments such as fishing, the present invention affords quiet operation by integrating a specially designed muffler system with the type of engines that will be herein described. In a manner well known in the internal combustion engine art, exhaust manifold 270 transports exhaust fumes from engine 25 through silencer or resonator 280 into muffler 260 and through tail pipe 290. Thus, the structure taught herein provides a portable power generating apparatus that operates significantly quieter than a conventional lawn mower, Weedeater, and the like. Referring now to FIG. 6, there is depicted voltmeter 220 electrically connected in parallel to the power output of DC generator 100. As will be readily understood, voltmeter 220 is used to monitor this voltage output. Also depicted are interconnecting wires 240, typical 12 volt receptacle clamp 230, and conventional fuse 245. Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, the means taught by the present invention for sustaining a constant output voltage is depicted. Rather than utilizing a heavy and cumbersome voltage regulator, the present invention provides a circuit means for sustaining a constant output voltage. Referring specifically to FIG. 11, there is shown a compact electronic circuit means that regulates the voltage output by the generator of the present invention. More particularly, governor circuit 400, similar to rectifier circuits known in the art, preferably comprises Zener diodes 405 A,B to sustain a constant voltage output to an appliance and the like interconnected with wires 200 (FIG. 1). To achieve a constant 12 volt output contemplated by the preferred embodiment, a Zener diode such as model number NTE52555 A ofNTE Electronics, Inc. of Bloomfiled, New Jersey may be used; this Zener diode is rated to hold the voltage to 12 volts plus or minus 5%. Eight amp fuse 250 protects Zener diodes 405 A,B. When power source is disconnected from load L, Zener diodes 405 A,B do not permit the voltage to increase above 13 volts. Since the generator is preferably rated at 5'/2 amps at 13 volts, load L when introduced to governor circuit 400 the voltage is suppressed, thereby avoiding any spiking. Fuse 430, preferably 8 amps, protects the power source from overload. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, instead of a fuse, an auto-reset breaker and the like may be used. A preferably 50 volt 1,000 MFD capacitor 410 is incorporated into governor circuit 400 to afford additional protection against spikes in a manner well known in the art.

As will be understood by practitioners in the art, fluctuations in the voltage output from a DC or AC generator can cause damage to the appliance receiving electrical power from the generator. While operating with a load, a AC/DC generator generally outputs a constant voltage. When the load is removed, however, the gasoline engine driving the generator tends to increase its RPMs, thereby causing increased rotational speed of the output shaft, whereby the voltage and amperage are increased. Accordingly, when a load is introduced, the voltage is now higher, thereby causing overload to load L. To prevent such a mishap, the generator's voltage output is preferably limited to 13 volts at 5 amps. Pair of Zener diodes 405 A,B are disposed between the positive and negative terminals depicted in FIG. 11 so that, in a manner known to those skilled in the art, when load L is removed from the portable power generation apparatus disclosed herein, the circuit is closed between the terminals, thereby acting as an equivalent load at 50 watts each. The heat generated would be dissipated by heat sink means contained on the present invention to promote cool and hazard-free operation thereof. Thus, this governor circuit means taught by the present invention effectuates a constant load passing to the generator means which limits the speed engendered by the fuel-operated driver engine.

Referring collectively to FIGS. 9-11, there is seen physical placement of governor circuit means 400. Fin 65 of heat exchange assembly 55 is preferably constructed from aluminum and is fixedly attached to the heat conductive portion of generator 125 contained within housing 100. Zener diode 405 is shown disposed centrally of plurality of cooling fins 65. Zener diodes 65A,B fuses 250, 430 and capacitor 410 are contained within a housing (not shown) for protection. Wires electrically communicating heat exchanger assembly 55 with regulator circuit 400 pass through aperture 70 contained centrally within the base of cooling assembly 55. It should be understood that, consistent with the portability and lightweightedness thrust of the present invention, the electronic governor circuit means could be contained within a power cord means and the like

Now referring specifically to FIG.5, there is shown housing 5 which covers portable power generating apparatus 2 disclosed under the present invention. This apparatus, of course, may be conveniently transported using handle 8. As is common in the art, cover 5 should be preferably constructed from a lightweight plastic material which affords sufficient impact resistance and which insulates the user from electrical shocks. Exhaust hole 6 and cooling vents 7 promote circulation of gases, air and the like. The preferred embodiment of the present invention weighs less than twelve pounds and is constructed with housing 5 having a base measuring 20 inches long, 9 inches high at side 3, and 5 inches at side 4. Thus, the preferred embodiment is configured to be about five times smaller than commonly used household generators.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 1 and 7-8, there is depicted the cooling means taught by the present invention. Cooling fin means 55 comprising plurality of cooling fins 65, in a manner well known in the art, dissipate heat generated by DC generator 125. Preferably constructed from aluminum, heat generated by generator 125 is drawn up into plurality of heat exhange fins 65 and is then drawn toward driver engine 25. Ambient air, in turn, cools heat exchange assembly 55. To further promote cool-operation of the present invention, insulation material 210 or metallic heat sink material and the like may be used to help dissipate heat. As described herein, however, heat generation is inherently minimized because of the low RPM operation of the liquid fuel-driven engine.

Referring to FIGS. 7-8, shroud 50 is depicted with plurality of slots 52 which promote the influx of air into the shroud to cool gasoline engine 25. Crankshaft 90 communicates with armature 110 of DC generator 125. When air is drawn into shroud 50 through plurality of slot means 52, it is also drawn across the surfaces of preferably heat conductive aluminum comprising heat exchange fin means 55. Ambient air is exchanged with the hotter air being discharged and displaced from the engine.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, to be effective during outdoor activities such as fishing and the like, it is advantageous to have a portable power source which is quiet. Otherwise, the noise typically produced from portable, albeit cumbersome power sources known in the art tends to interfere with the fish and game being sought, and, of course, tends to undermine the natural solitude of the out-of-doors environment. To provide a quiet source of power in the field and portability, the preferred embodiment of the present invention teaches the use of Weedeater-type driving engine well known in the lawn care art and the use of a miniature DC-generator or motor on the output side akin to a conventional automobile windshield wiper motor.

It will be appreciated that such a Weedeater-like 2-cycle engine which typically provides about 1 hp at idle and 1600 RPM, and, which is typically air-cooled and uses a reciprocating piston type combustion chamber with an interconnected crankshaft via a connecting rod, inherently have minimal components, spin faster than larger motors, and inflict minimal wear on the crankshaft. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the energy generated in the combustion chamber is transferred to the connecting rod and then to the crankshaft, and converted into rotational energy onto the output shaft. In the small 2-cycle engine contemplated by the present invention, the components including the crankcase, piston, and cooling fins, are preferably constructed from aluminum. Thus, the present invention is well-suited for providing power in automobiles, on boats, and in the field which generally corresponds to a full load of about 5 amps at 12 volts and 1600 RPM, which only draws about 0.1 hp from the uniquely overpowered driving engine. Since the present invention teaches cool-running, low RPM operation, it affords the feature of efficient fuel-consumption, whereby power may be provided to such emergency devices as a portable refrigerator/cooler for up to 3 hours on a mere pint of gasoline. It will be understood that embodiments of the present invention may be constructed using a 4-cycle engine or even a rotary engine, e.g., a Wankel engine. Indeed, embodiments of the present invention may be configured with the hp of the driving engine being sufficiently large relative to the hp capacity of the generator to accommodate particular needs based upon amperage, voltage, and physical size. For example, some fork lifts while requiring 12 volts also require high amperage.

While a typical 2-cycle engine such as a Weedeater engine is designed with an internal muffler means, in order to promote quiet operation, the present invention also comprises a supplemental muffler means. Referring to FIGS. 1-2, exhaust assembly 250 includes supplemental muffling means comprising muffler means 260 and silencer means 280. To afford maximal safety, the supplemental muffling means taught by the present invention should preferably be flame-arrested. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, muffler means 260 comprises a suitably sized muffler typical of those used in automobiles and the like. Similarly, silencer means 280 comprises a suitably sized resonator that is optionally used in the exhaust systems of automobiles and the like. Thus, in conjunction with running at low RPM, the dual featured muffler system of the present invention inherently generates power with a substantial solitude hereinbefore unknown in the art. The droning sound that typifies conventional external power sources in the field or during emergencies not only disturbs personnel involved, but also disturbs the innate beauty of the natural environment.

As disclosed herein, while the driver engine is running, DC power is generated and may be conveniently delivered to a suitable appliance, used to recharge a battery, etc. In a manner well known in the art, electrical current is induced as coils of wire move in a magnetic field, thereby intersecting the magnetic lines of force. As the rigid shaft of the DC motor is driven by the crankshaft, in the course of a revolution each half of a conventional commutator is successively in contact with a top and bottom of a carbon brush pair, respectively. The rigid shaft is circumscribed by an armature of a permanent magnet generator/motor; metal plates are passed through the electromagnetic field. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the armature, comprising the windings, iron core, and commutator, rotates between the poles of the permanent magnet and generates electrical current. Using a small DC generator with an armature spinning between two permanent magnets promotes the lightweightedness emphasized by the present invention because components such as conventional, heavy excitors and voltage regulators are unnecessary. These types of components, of course, not only add weight and bulk to an apparatus, but also impart heat. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that output voltage is controlled by the speed of the small driving engine. As is well known in the art, the RPM of this engine is easily controlled by rotating a carburetor throttle adjustment means and the like. Under the present invention, a small self-contained, self-cooled gasoline engine drives a DC generator to generate a constant 12 volt DC and the like. As hereinbefore described, a suitable 12 volt appliance or a 12 volt battery may be electrically interconnected with the present invention to provide portable power thereto. To obtain specific watts required by appliances, as hereinbefore described, the RPMs of the driver engine may be increased or decreased as appropriate.

Of course, if the power requirements of a particular appliance and the like exceed the common maximum of 5 amps at 12 volts, then it is within the teachings of the present invention to change the size and capacity of the liquid fuel engine and the corresponding DC or AC generator. For example, if an appliance required 10 amps current, then it would be necessary to increase the capacity of each of the driver engine and the generator to achieve suitable power generation. Now referring to FIG. 12, there is depicted light assembly 300 illustrative of another aspect of the present invention: a self-contained portable illumination source designed to be integrated with the portable power generator herein described. This portable light assembly preferably weighs less than 12 pounds and is assembled from components stored within its hollow casing 314. Pair of conventional 12 volt automobile sealed beam lamps 313 are shown rotatably attached upon the outer circumferential surface of preferably hollow tubing 314 having a pair of easily insertable end caps 315. End caps 315 are configured to be releasably received in each end of tubing 314.

It has been found that a screwable relationship is generally advantageous between end caps 315 and tubing 314. Hollow tubing 314 is configured to contain preferably all telescopic poles and legs prerequisite for assembling a portable source of illumination in the field as contemplated under the present invention. To assure compactness of the present invention, plurality of legs 317 are configured to be inserted into plurality of poles so that efficient storage within hollow cylindrical casing 314 is achieved. Plurality of legs 317 may be releasably inserted into lower portion 318 of pole 316, in any of ways well known in the art, for sustaining light assembly 300 in an erect position. In the preferred embodiment, one of the pair of end caps 315 is configured with a means to receive plurality of legs 317 thereon, and even to receive a pole in the center thereof, so that such pole may be inserted into the ground as a means of support for the lighting assembly. Of course, light assembly 300 may be caused to be disposed in an erect position by inserting pole 316 between rocks, into sand or dirt, etc. While the preferred embodiment of assembly 300 may be fully extended to as high as 7 feet by inserting and fully extending multiple poles (not shown) into upper pole 316 within lower pole 318, it has been found to be advantageous to secure tube 314 using guide wires and the like for stability and safety purposes. As should be evident to those skilled in the art, the housing, pole and leg members should preferably be constructed from a lightweight, corrosion-resistant material such as aluminum or a suitable plastic or fiberglass, etc. Under the teachings of the present invention, electrical cord 310 is electrically interconnected with DC receptacle 230 (FIG. 6) to supply power to light assembly 300 in the field.

Similarly, the present invention may be used to enable the remote operation of virtually any common household appliance and tools or common sportsman's equipment which require a 12 volt power source. The present invention may also be conveniently used to charge a conventional automobile battery and the like.

Other variations and modifications will, of course, become apparent from a consideration of the structures and techniques hereinbefore described and depicted. Accordingly, it should be clearly understood that the present invention is not intended to be limited by the particular features and structures hereinbefore described and depicted in the accompanying drawings, but that the present invention is to be measured by the scope of the appended claims herein.

What is claimed is:

Claims

1. A portable apparatus for delivering constant DC power in vehicles, on boats, and in the field comprising: a base plate means having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of cushioning means for contacting a receiving surface; a fluid-powered internal combustion engine means disposed at one end of said base plate means and fixedly attached to said base plate means; a permanent magnet DC generator means enclosed within said housing means and fixedly attached to said base plate means at an end thereof opposite from said end at which said fluid-powered internal combustion engine means is disposed; a crankshaft means disposed parallel to said longitudinal axis of said base plate means for coupling said fluid-powered internal combustion engine means with said permanent magnet generator means, so that DC power is generated by said permanent magnet generator means when said fluid-powered internal combustion engine means is running; electronic circuit governor means electrically interconnected with said DC generator means for regulating the RPM output of said internal combustion engine means to regulate voltage ouput from said permanent magnet generator means; heat exchanger means fixedly attached to said permanent magnet generator means for dissipating heat created incident to said internal combustion engine means running and generating power from said permanent magnet generator means; and means for electrically connecting external appliance means for using said generated DC power.

2. The portable apparatus recited in Claim 1 wherein said fluid-powered internal combustion engine means comprises: fuel tank means for providing fuel for running said motor means, carburetor means for mixing said fuel with ambient air; starter means for starting operation of said motor means, combustion chamber means for combusting said mixed fuel, exhaust means for venting gases into the ambient, and muffler means for minimizing noise generated during operation thereof.

3. The portable apparatus recited in Claim 1 wherein said permanent magnet generator means comprises: armature means and commutation means for generating said DC power.

4. The portable apparatus recited in Claim 1 wherein said cushioning means comprises elastomeric mounting means.

5. The portable apparatus recited in Claim 1 wherein said housing means includes a carrying handle means.

6. The portable apparatus recited in Claim 1 wherein said heat exchanger means includes a fin assembly having a plurality of fins.

7. The portable apparatus recited in Claim 1 wherein said heat exchanger means further includes heat sink means

8. The portable apparatus recited in Claim 1 wherein said electronic circuit governor means includes a plurality of Zener diodes and capacitor means.

9. A portable apparatus for delivering illumination in vehicles, on boats, and in the field comprising: a housing means enclosing a base plate means having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of cushioning means for contacting a receiving surface; a fluid-powered internal combustion engine means enclosed within said housing means and disposed at one end of said base plate means and fixedly attached to said base plate means; a permanent magnet DC generator means enclosed within said housing means and fixedly attached to said base plate means at an end thereof opposite from said end at which said fluid-powered internal combustion engine means is disposed; a crankshaft means disposed parallel to said longitudinal axis of said base plate means for coupling said fluid-powered internal combustion engine means with said permanent magnet generator means, so that DC power is generated by said permanent magnet generator means when said fluid-powered internal combustion engine means is running; electronic circuit governor means electrically interconnected with said DC genrator means for regulating the RPM output of said internal combustion engine means to regulate voltage output from said permanent magnet generator means; resonator means fixedly attached to said base plate means and to said internal combustion engine means, and disposed parallel to said permanent magnet generator means, for minimizing noise emanating therefrom; heat exchanger means enclosed within said housing means for dissipating heat created incident to said internal combustion engine means running and generating power from said permanent magnet generator means; and a portable self-contained light assembly for providing said illumination.

10. The portable apparatus recited in Claim 9 wherein said fluid-powered internal combustion engine means comprises: fuel tank means for providing fuel for running said motor means, carburetor means for mixing said fuel with ambient air; starter means for starting operation of said motor means, combustion chamber means for combusting said mixed fuel, exhaust means for venting gases into the ambient, and muffler means for minimizing noise generated during operation thereof.

11. The portable apparatus recited in Claim 9 wherein said permanent magnet generator means comprises: armature means and commutation means for generating said DC power.

12. The portable apparatus recited in Claim 9 wherein said cushioning means comprises elastomeric mounting means.

13. The portable apparatus recited in Claim 9 wherein said housing means includes a carrying handle means.

14. The portable apparatus recited in Claim 9 wherein said heat exchanger means includes a fin assembly having a plurality of fins.

15. The portable apparatus recited in Claim 9 wherein said heat exchanger means further includes heat sink means

16. The portable apparatus recited in Claim 9 wherein said electronic circuit governor means includes a plurality of Zener diodes and capacitor means.

17. The portable apparatus recited m Claim 9 wherein said portable self-contained light assembly comprises: a hollow cylindrical housing having a pair of insertable end-caps at each thereof and having a receptacle for insertably receiving pole means;