US 10221780

Summary of US Patent 10221780: Dual Fuel Lockout Switch for Generator Engine

Title: Dual fuel lockout switch for generator engine

Assignee: Champion Power Equipment Inc. (originally assigned to Champion Engine Technology, LLC, then reassigned to Champion Power Equipment, Inc.) [cite: The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list., Assigned to Champion Engine Technology, LLC, Assigned to CHAMPION POWER EQUIPMENT, INC.]

Inventors: Mark J. Sarder, Aleko D. Sotiriades, James J. Dehn, Leigh Jenison

Filing Date: June 12, 2015

Issue Date: March 5, 2019

Abstract:
US Patent 10221780 describes a mechanical fuel lockout switch for a dual fuel engine. This switch incorporates a mechanical fuel valve that can move between a first position and a second position to control fuel flow to the engine from either a first fuel source (through a first fuel line) or a second fuel source (through a second fuel line). The system also includes a fuel lockout apparatus connected to the mechanical fuel valve. When the mechanical fuel valve is in the first position, the switch allows the first fuel source to reach the engine and prevents the second fuel source from connecting. Conversely, when the mechanical fuel valve is in the second position, the switch allows the second fuel source to reach the engine and stops the flow from the first fuel source. The fuel lockout apparatus specifically prevents the second fuel source from coupling to its fuel line in the first position and permits it in the second position.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Claim 1: This claim describes a mechanical safety switch for an engine that can run on two different types of fuel. It includes:

  • A manual fuel valve with two settings: a "first position" for one fuel and a "second position" for the other. This valve controls which of the two fuel lines (one for each fuel type) supplies the engine.
  • A lockout device that works with the manual fuel valve.
  • When the valve is in the "first position," the first fuel is sent to the engine, and the second fuel is completely blocked from connecting to the engine.
  • When the valve is in the "second position," the second fuel is sent to the engine, and the first fuel supply is stopped.
  • The lockout device is designed so that when the valve is in the "first position," you cannot connect the second fuel source to its line, and when the valve is in the "second position," you can connect the second fuel source to its line.

• Claim 8: This claim outlines a method for putting together this mechanical fuel lockout switch for a two-fuel engine. The steps involve:

  • Starting with an engine that can use two different fuels.
  • Connecting a manual fuel valve to the engine. This valve has a "first position" to select one fuel line and a "second position" to select the other, controlling fuel flow from two different fuel sources.
  • Attaching a fuel lockout device to this manual fuel valve.
  • The setup ensures that when the valve is in the "first position," the first fuel source connects to the engine, and the second fuel source cannot be connected. When the valve is moved to the "second position," the second fuel source is allowed to connect, and the first fuel source is disconnected.
  • Crucially, the lockout device is also designed to prevent the manual fuel valve from being moved back to the "first position" if the second fuel source is already connected to the engine.

• Claim 15: This claim is similar to Claim 1, describing a mechanical fuel lockout switch for a dual fuel engine, including:

  • A mechanical fuel valve that switches between a "first position" and a "second position" to control fuel flow from a first fuel source (via a first line) or a second fuel source (via a second line) to the dual fuel engine.
  • A fuel lockout apparatus linked to the mechanical fuel valve.
  • The switch ensures that in the "first position," the first fuel source is active, and the second is blocked. In the "second position," the second fuel source is active, and the first is blocked.
  • A key feature highlighted is that the fuel lockout apparatus specifically prevents the mechanical fuel valve from being moved to the "first position" if the second fuel source is actively connected to the engine.

CAFC 2026 Dockets:
No information regarding CAFC 2026 dockets for patent 10221780 was found in the provided patent text or via a live search.Summary of US Patent 10221780: Dual Fuel Lockout Switch for Generator Engine

Title: Dual fuel lockout switch for generator engine

Assignee: Champion Power Equipment Inc. (The patent was originally assigned to Champion Engine Technology, LLC, and subsequently reassigned to Champion Power Equipment, Inc.) [cite: Assigned to Champion Engine Technology, LLC, Assigned to CHAMPION POWER EQUIPMENT, INC.]

Inventors: Mark J. Sarder, Aleko D. Sotiriades, James J. Dehn, Leigh Jenison

Filing Date: June 12, 2015

Issue Date: March 5, 2019

Abstract:
US Patent 10221780 describes a mechanical fuel lockout switch designed for a dual fuel engine. This switch comprises a mechanical fuel valve that can be actuated between a first position and a second position to selectively control the flow of fuel to the engine from either a first fuel source (via a first fuel line) or a second fuel source (via a second fuel line). A fuel lockout apparatus is coupled to the mechanical fuel valve. When the mechanical fuel valve is in the first position, the switch allows the first fuel source to communicate with the dual fuel engine while preventing communication from the second fuel source. Conversely, when the mechanical fuel valve is in the second position, the second fuel source is communicated to the dual fuel engine, and communication from the first fuel source is interrupted. The fuel lockout apparatus is specifically configured to prevent the second fuel source from coupling to its fuel line when the mechanical fuel valve is in the first position, and to permit such coupling when the valve is in the second position.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Claim 1: This claim describes a mechanical safety system for an engine capable of running on two different fuels. It includes a manual fuel valve with two settings: a "first position" for operating on a primary fuel (e.g., gasoline) and a "second position" for operating on a secondary fuel (e.g., LPG). This valve controls the flow of fuel from the respective fuel sources through their dedicated lines. The system also has a lockout mechanism that works in conjunction with this valve. When the valve is in the primary fuel position, the primary fuel flows to the engine, and the lockout mechanism physically prevents the secondary fuel source from being connected to its fuel line. When the valve is moved to the secondary fuel position, the primary fuel flow is stopped, and the lockout mechanism allows the secondary fuel source to be connected to its line, enabling the engine to run on the secondary fuel.

• Claim 8: This claim outlines a method for assembling such a mechanical fuel lockout switch. The method involves providing an engine that can use two different fuels. A mechanical fuel valve is then connected to this engine, capable of switching between a "first position" (for the first fuel source) and a "second position" (for the second fuel source) to control fuel delivery. Additionally, a fuel lockout apparatus is connected to the mechanical fuel valve. The assembly ensures that when the valve is in the first position, the first fuel source is active, and the second fuel source cannot be connected. When the valve is actuated to the second position, the second fuel source is allowed to connect, and the first fuel source is cut off. A crucial safety aspect of this assembly method is that the fuel lockout apparatus physically prevents the mechanical fuel valve from being moved back to the first position if the second fuel source is already connected to the engine.

• Claim 15: This claim presents a mechanical fuel lockout switch similar to Claim 1. It specifies a mechanical fuel valve that moves between a first position and a second position to control fuel flow from two distinct fuel sources to a dual fuel engine. It also includes a fuel lockout apparatus connected to this valve. The switch is designed to communicate the first fuel source and prevent the second when in the first position, and vice-versa when in the second position. The core distinction of this claim is that the fuel lockout apparatus specifically prevents the mechanical fuel valve from being moved into its first position if the second fuel source is actively communicating with the dual fuel engine.

CAFC 2026 Dockets:
As of April 26, 2026, a search of the CAFC 2026 dockets did not return any specific entries or scheduled cases directly involving US patent 10221780. While the patent's Google Patents page indicates general litigation activity including district court cases and an IPR (IPR2025-01185), there is no authoritative information found regarding any specific CAFC 2026 docket for this patent number. [cite: The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed., Family has litigation, US case filed in Wisconsin Eastern District Court, PTAB case IPR2025-01185 filed (Not Instituted - Merits), US case filed in Arizona District Court, US case filed in California Central District Court, US case filed in Nevada District Court, US case filed in Wisconsin Eastern District Court]