Integrated throttle-fuel mixer

Abstract

A fuel supply system for a generator may include: a mixer body defining a main port extending between an air inlet end and a mixed air-fuel outlet end and defining a fuel inlet port extending into the main port; a throttle-mixing assembly including a venturi structure located in the main port and configured to mix fuel received from the fuel inlet port with air received from the air inlet end and to deliver an air-fuel mixture to the mixed air-fuel outlet end; a fuel control valve assembly attached to the mixer body and including a first valve and a first actuator arranged to control a flow of fuel through the fuel inlet port; and a throttle control valve assembly attached to the mixer body and including a second valve and a second actuator arranged to control a flow of the air-fuel mixture through the main port.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (Related Applications) This application was filed as a PCT international application on January 23, 2023, and claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 302,294, filed on January 24, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. (Technical field) This application relates to an integrated throttle-fuel mixer. [Background technology]

[0002] In gas-fueled engines, such as those used in generator applications, fuel and intake air are mixed in a mixer and delivered to the cylinders for combustion. In a typical system, the fuel is first metered with a variable orifice controlled by a diaphragm using the engine vacuum. The fuel is then routed by a hose to a fuel-air mixer and then metered to a fixed orifice in the mixer. Two mechanically linked throttles separate from the mixer control the fuel-air mixture based on load control, for example, based on a signal to an actuator. Improvements are desired. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to gas-fueled generators. In one possible configuration, as a non-limiting example, an electronically controlled throttle with an integrated air-fuel mixer is disclosed. The disclosed integrated design advantageously reduces the number of mechanical parts, reduces the overall footprint of the air-fuel delivery system, reduces the number of leak points, increases adaptability to different applications and operating environments, and can electronically compensate for load, fuel pressure, intake pressure, and combustion. In some advantageous configurations, a single device has the ability to electronically meter low pressure (3-1 / 2 to 14 in-H2O) gas fuel with an electronically controlled valve, draw the fuel through the device with a venturi, and then mix the fuel with air that is then metered by the electronically controlled valve.

[0004] A fuel supply system for a generator may include: a mixer body defining a main port extending between an air inlet end and a mixed air-fuel outlet end and defining a fuel inlet port extending into the main port; a throttle-mixing assembly including a venturi structure located in the main port and configured to mix fuel received from the fuel inlet port with air received from the air inlet end and to deliver an air-fuel mixture to the mixed air-fuel outlet end; a fuel control valve assembly attached to the mixer body and including a first valve and a first actuator arranged to control a flow of fuel through the fuel inlet port; and a throttle control valve assembly attached to the mixer body and including a second valve and a second actuator arranged to control a flow of the air-fuel mixture through the main port.

[0005] In some embodiments, the first valve is a throttle plate disposed within the fuel inlet port.

[0006] In some embodiments, the second valve is a throttle plate disposed in the main port downstream of the venturi structure.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first actuator and the second actuator are electric actuators.

[0008] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes an electrical wire harness attached to the mixer body, the electrical wire harness being in electrical communication with the first actuator and the second actuator.

[0009] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises one or more of a first pressure sensor for sensing fuel pressure near the fuel inlet port, a second pressure sensor for sensing air-fuel mixture air pressure, a temperature sensor proximate the air-fuel outlet port, a first position sensor for sensing a position of the first valve, and a second position sensor for sensing a position of the second valve.

[0010] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes an electrical wire harness attached to the mixer body, the electrical wire harness being electrically connected to the first actuator and the second actuator and further electrically connected to one or more of the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, the temperature sensor, the first position sensor, and the second position sensor.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second pressure sensor, the temperature sensor, and the second position sensor are provided in a common housing.

[0012] In some embodiments, the temperature sensor includes a probe that extends into the primary port.

[0013] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes one or both of a first position sensor and a second position sensor, the first position sensor for sensing a position of the first valve, the first position sensor being attached to the mixer body opposite the first actuator, and the second position sensor for sensing a position of the second valve, the second position sensor being attached to the mixer body opposite the second actuator.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first valve includes a first valve member and a first shaft, the first actuator is coupled to a first end of the first shaft, and the first position sensor is coupled to a second end of the first shaft; the second valve includes a second valve member and a second shaft, the second actuator is coupled to a first end of the second shaft, and the second position sensor is coupled to a second end of the second shaft.

[0015] The generator assembly may include an internal combustion engine, a generator coupled to and driven by the internal combustion engine, and a fuel supply for supplying an air-fuel mixture to the internal combustion engine. The fuel supply may include a throttle-mixing assembly including a mixer body defining a main port extending between an air inlet end and a mixed air-fuel outlet end and defining a fuel inlet port extending into the main port, and a venturi structure disposed in the main port and configured to mix fuel received from the fuel inlet port with air received from the air inlet end and supply the air-fuel mixture to the mixed air-fuel outlet end; a fuel control valve assembly attached to the mixer body and including a first valve and a first actuator disposed to control the flow of fuel through the fuel inlet port; and a throttle control valve assembly attached to the mixer body and including a second valve and a second actuator disposed to control the flow of the air-fuel mixture through the main port.

[0016] In some embodiments of the generator assembly, the first valve is a throttle plate disposed within the fuel inlet port.

[0017] In some embodiments of the generator assembly, the second valve is a throttle plate disposed in the main port downstream of the venturi structure.

[0018] In some embodiments of the generator assembly, the first actuator and the second actuator are electric actuators.

[0019] In some embodiments, the generator assembly further includes an electrical wiring harness attached to the mixer body, the electrical wiring harness being in electrical communication with the first actuator and the second actuator.

[0020] In some embodiments, the generator assembly further comprises one or more of a first pressure sensor for sensing fuel pressure near the fuel inlet port, a second pressure sensor for sensing air-fuel mixture air pressure, a temperature sensor proximate the air-fuel outlet port, a first position sensor for sensing a position of the first valve, and a second position sensor for sensing a position of the second valve.

[0021] In some embodiments, the generator assembly further includes an electrical wire harness attached to the mixer body, the electrical wire harness being electrically connected to the first actuator and the second actuator and further electrically connected to one or more of the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, the temperature sensor, the first position sensor, and the second position sensor.

[0022] In some embodiments of the generator assembly, the second pressure sensor, the temperature sensor, and the second position sensor are provided in a common housing.

[0023] In some embodiments of the generator assembly, the temperature sensor includes a probe that extends into the main port.

[0024] In some embodiments, the generator assembly further includes one or both of a first position sensor and a second position sensor, the first position sensor for sensing a position of the first valve, the first position sensor being attached to the mixer body opposite the first actuator, and the second position sensor for sensing a position of the second valve, the second position sensor being attached to the mixer body opposite the second actuator.

[0025] In some embodiments of the generator assembly, the first valve includes a first valve member and a first shaft, the first actuator is coupled to a first end of the first shaft, the first position sensor is coupled to a second end of the first shaft, the second valve includes a second valve member and a second shaft, the second actuator is coupled to a first end of the second shaft, and the second position sensor is coupled to a second end of the second shaft.

[0026] In some embodiments, the generator assembly further includes an electronic controller for controlling the first actuator and the second actuator.

[0027] Various additional aspects are described in the following description. Each aspect may relate to individual features and combinations of features. It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concept on which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

[0028] The following drawings illustrate certain embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The drawings are not to scale and are intended for use in conjunction with the descriptions in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a generator having features according to the present disclosure; [Figure 1A] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the generator shown in FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a fuel supply system for the generator shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a throttle-mixing assembly of the fuel delivery system shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective cutaway view of the throttle-mixing assembly shown in FIG. [Diagram 5]FIG. 4 is a first side view of the throttle-mixing system shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a second side view of the throttle-mixing system shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a first end view of the throttle-mixing system shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a second end view of the throttle-mixing system shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a top view of the throttle-mixing system shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the throttle-mixing system shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the throttle-mixing system shown in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the main body of the throttle-mixing assembly shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the main body shown in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a first side view of the main body shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 15] FIG. 14 is a second side view of the main body shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 16] FIG. 14 is a first end view of the body shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 17] FIG. 14 is a second end view of the body shown in FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 14 is a top view of the main body shown in FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the main body shown in FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the main body shown in FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the main body shown in FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the throttle-mixing assembly shown in FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the throttle-mixing assembly shown in FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. 4 is a control schematic diagram of the throttle-mixing assembly shown in FIG. 3. [Diagram 25]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a throttle-mixing assembly usable with the generator of FIG. 1. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a side view of the throttle-mixing assembly shown in FIG. [Figure 27] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional side view of the throttle-mixing assembly shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several views. The exemplifications set forth herein illustrate one embodiment of the present invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention in any manner.

[0031] Various embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. Additionally, any examples described herein are not intended to be limiting, but merely to illustrate some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims.

[0032] 1-3, a generator 10 is shown. The generator 10 is shown to include an internal combustion engine 12, a generator 14 coupled to and driven by the engine 12, and a battery 16 for starting the engine 12. The generator 10 is further shown to include an air-fuel supply system 100 for throttling fuel and forming an air-fuel mixture for supplying to the internal combustion engine 12. Examples of fuels that can be used with the generator 10 and the air-fuel supply system 100 are liquid propane and natural gas. The air-fuel supply system 100 is connected at an inlet to an intake airbox 18 and at an outlet to an intake manifold 20, which is connected to the internal combustion engine 12. The generator 10 is further shown to include an electronic controller 200 for controlling the air-fuel supply system 100 in addition to the internal combustion engine 12 and the generator 14. In the illustrated example, the generator 10 is mounted within a protective enclosure 22. The protective enclosure 22 shown in FIG. 1 completely encloses the generator 10 and includes an access door, but is shown with the front and side panels removed for purposes of illustration.

[0033] 2, the air-fuel supply system 100 is shown as including a throttle-mixing assembly 102 and a fuel shutoff assembly 104 interconnected by a fuel line or hose 106. As shown, the fuel shutoff assembly 104 is configured as a dual fuel shutoff valve including a first shutoff valve 104a and a second shutoff valve 104b in series with the first shutoff valve 104a. Each of the valves 104a, 104b is actuated, for example, by a solenoid or motor 104c, 104d that may be connected to the electronic controller 200 and / or a safety device. The fuel shutoff assembly 104 is a safety device that may be actuated to shut off the flow of fuel to the throttle-mixing assembly 102, and thus the engine 12, under certain conditions.

[0034] 3-10, the throttle-mixing assembly 102 is shown in further detail. In one embodiment, the throttle-mixing assembly 102 includes a body 108, a venturi assembly 110 for mixing air and fuel, a throttle valve assembly 112 for controlling the flow of the air-fuel mixture, a fuel control valve assembly 114 for controlling the flow of fuel to the body 108, sensor assemblies 115, 116, 118, and a wire harness 120 connected to the control components of the throttle-mixing assembly 102.

[0035] 12-19, the body 108 is shown in isolation. In one embodiment, the body 108 extends between a first inlet end 108a and a second outlet end 108b. Mounting flanges 108c, 108d are formed at the ends 108a, 108b and are shown including through holes for receiving fasteners to facilitate attachment of the body 108 to the air box 18 and the intake manifold 20, respectively. In one embodiment, the body 108 defines a main port 108e extending between the ends 108a, 108b and a fuel inlet port 108f extending within the main port 108e. The body 108a is also shown including ports 108g-108m, which will be described below. The body 108a may also include a groove 108n at the outlet end 108b for receiving an O-ring type seal 121 such that a seal is formed between the body 108 and the manifold 20. In the illustrated example, the body 108 is machined from an aluminum casting, although other manufacturing methods and materials may be used.

[0036] As can be readily seen in FIG. 11, the venturi assembly 110 includes a body 110a defining circumferential grooves 110b, 110c that receive O-rings 110c, 110d. The body 110a defines an axial or central venturi port 110e and further defines a side opening 110e extending into the port 110e. The venturi assembly 110 is mounted within the main port 108e of the body 108 such that the opening 110e is aligned with the fuel inlet port 108f. In operation, air entering the main port 198e at the inlet end is accelerated as it passes through the venturi port 110e, and fuel from the fuel inlet port 108f is directed through the opening 110e to the venturi port 110e, thereby mixing the air and fuel.

[0037] As can be readily seen in FIG. 11, the fuel control valve assembly 112 is shown to include a shaft 112a to which a throttle plate 112b is secured by fasteners 112d. The throttle plate 112b may also be characterized as a valve, valve disc, valve plate, and / or butterfly valve. As shown, a spacer 112e, a seal 112f, and a mounting plate 112g are provided to enable the shaft 112a to be sealingly mounted to the body 108, the shaft 112a extending through the ports 108g, 108h, and the throttle plate 112b disposed within the fuel inlet port 108f. The fuel control valve assembly 112 is further shown to include an actuator 112h coupled to and driving the shaft 112a such that the position of the throttle plate 112b may be controlled by the actuator 112h. In the illustrated example, the actuator 112h is an electric actuator, such as a stepper motor or a solenoid actuator, and is connected to the controller 500 via a wiring harness 120 with a power cable or line 120e. Other types of actuators are possible. Fasteners 112i are shown provided to attach the motor 112h and mounting plate 112g to the body 108 at threaded bosses on the body 108. In operation, the actuator 112h controls the position of the throttle plate 112b to control the amount of fuel passing through the fuel inlet port 108f and therefore the composition of the air-fuel mixture in the main port 108e.

[0038] 11, the throttle control valve assembly 114 is shown to include a shaft 114a to which a throttle plate 114b is secured by fasteners 114d. The throttle plate 114b may be characterized as a valve, valve disc, valve plate, and / or butterfly valve. As shown, a spacer 114e, a seal 114f, and a mounting plate 114g are provided to allow the shaft 114a to be sealingly mounted to the body 108, the shaft 114ah extends through the ports 108j, 108k, and the throttle plate 114b is disposed within the main port 108e. The throttle control valve assembly 114 is further shown to include an actuator 114h coupled to and driving the shaft 114a such that the position of the throttle plate 114b can be controlled by the actuator 114h. In the illustrated example, actuator 114h is an electric actuator, such as a stepper motor, and is connected to controller 200 via wiring harness 120 at power cable or line 120f. Other types of actuators are possible. Fasteners 114i are shown provided for attaching motor 114h and mounting plate 114g to body 108 at threaded bosses on body 108. In operation, actuator 114h controls the position of throttle plate 114b and therefore the amount of air-fuel mixture delivered by air-fuel delivery system 100.

[0039] 11, the sensor assembly 115 is shown to include a pressure sensor 115a, and fasteners 115b and brackets 115c are provided for securing the pressure sensor 115a to the body 108, the body including a threaded boss for receiving the fasteners 115b. The pressure sensor 115a is provided within a housing 115d and wired to an electrical port 115e which receives a plug 120d of the wiring harness 120 such that the controller 200 can communicate with the pressure sensor 115a via the main plug 120c.

[0040] 11, the sensor assembly 116 is shown to include a position sensor 116a coupled to the shaft 112a via a snap ring 116b and a washer 116c. A fastener 116d and a washer 116e are provided to secure the position sensor 116a to the body 108, which includes a threaded boss for receiving the fastener 116d. The position sensor 116a is provided within a housing 116f and wired to an electrical port 116f that receives a plug 120a of the wiring harness 120 such that the controller 200 can communicate with the position sensor 116a via the main plug 120c.

[0041] 11, the sensor assembly 118 is shown to include a position sensor 118a connected to the shaft 114a via a snap ring 118b and a washer 118c. A fastener 118d and a washer 118f are provided to secure the position sensor 118a to the body 108, which includes a threaded boss for receiving the fastener 118d. The sensor assembly 118 may also include a temperature sensor or probe 118e that extends through port 108m into the main port 108e. As shown, the position sensor 118a and the temperature probe 118e are provided in a common housing 118f and wired to an electrical port 118g. The electrical port 118g is configured to receive a plug 120b of the wiring harness 120, allowing the controller 200 to communicate with the position sensor 118a and the temperature probe 118e via the main plug 120c. The sensor assembly 118 may further include a pressure sensor for sensing the internal pressure of the air-fuel mixture within the body 108. Configured in this manner, the sensor assembly 118 may be referred to as a three-in-one sensor that reads fluid temperature, fluid pressure, and throttle position.

[0042] The wire harness 120 includes plugs 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d for removably connecting to the sensor assemblies 115, 116, 118 and the controller 500, and is shown as being hardwired to the actuators 112, 114, although other configurations are possible. For example, hardwired connections to the sensor assemblies 115, 116, 118 and / or plug connections to the actuators 112, 114 could be provided.

[0043] Control Device 500 and Operating Modes 24, an electronic controller 500 for the generator assembly 10 is shown diagrammatically to control the engine 12, the generator 14, and the fuel supply system 100. In one embodiment, the controller 500 includes a processor 500A and a non-transitory storage medium or memory 500B, such as a RAM, a flash drive, or a hard drive. The memory 500B is for storing executable code, operating parameters, and inputs from an operator user interface 502, and the processor 500A is for executing the code. The memory 500B may also be for storing reference information 500D, such as maps and / or look-up tables. The electronic controller is also shown to include a transmit / receive port 500C, such as an Ethernet port, for bidirectional communication with a WAN / LAN associated with the automation system. The user interface 502 may be provided to activate and deactivate the system, allow a user to manipulate certain settings or inputs to the controller 500, and display information regarding system operation.

[0044] The electronic controller 500 typically includes at least some form of memory 500B. Examples of memory 500B include computer-readable media. Computer-readable media include any available media accessible by the processor 500A. Illustratively, computer-readable media include computer-readable storage media and computer-readable communication media.

[0045] Computer readable storage media include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any device configured to store information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer readable storage media include, but are not limited to, random access memory, read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, flash memory or other memory technology, compact disk read-only memory, digital versatile disk or other optical storage device, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage device or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired information and that can be accessed by the processor 500A.

[0046] Computer-readable communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. The term "modulated data signal" refers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, computer-readable communication media includes wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media, such as acoustic, radio frequency, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0047] The electronic controller 500 is also shown as having multiple inputs / outputs that can be used to operate the generator system. For example, as described above, the controller 500 can send commands to and receive feedback from the engine 12 and generator 14, as well as the fuel delivery system 100, including the throttle-mixing assembly 102 and the fuel shutoff assembly 104. Examples of inputs that the controller 500 can receive are inputs from position, temperature, and / or pressure sensor assemblies 115, 116, 118, as shown generally in FIG. 24. Examples of outputs that the controller 500 can send are outputs to actuators 112h, 114h, as also shown generally in FIG. 24. The controller can have additional input and / or output capabilities.

[0048] In general, the controller receives engine demand parameters and input signals from one or more of the sensors 115a, 116a, 118a, 118f and, based on these input signals, sends output signals to the actuators 112h, 114h to control the positions of the throttle plates 112b, 114b such that the air-fuel mixture composition and mass flow rate may be effectively controlled to meet the demands of the engine 12. In one example of an operational configuration, the controller 500 constantly monitors the fuel pressure at the sensor 115 along with other engine parameters such as the RPM of the engine 12 monitored by an engine RPM sensor in direct or indirect communication with the controller 500. Based on these input signals, the controller calculates the position of each of the throttle plates 112d, 114d and sends corresponding independent output signals to the actuators 112h, 114h. The controller 500 further uses the position sensors 116a, 118a to ensure or verify that the actuators 112h, 114h have moved the throttle plates 112b, 114b to the desired positions. Because the controller 500 can independently control the valve actuators 112h, 114h, the controller can tightly control the power output of the engine 12 and therefore the power generation by the generator 14.

[0049] Throttle-Mixing Assembly 202 25 to 27, an alternative throttle-mixing assembly 100' is presented to illustrate that alternative configurations can be provided without departing from the concepts presented herein. In contrast to the previous embodiment, the assembly 100' includes a linearly actuated actuator 112', such as a solenoid, with a shaft 112a' adapted to move axially upon actuation of the actuator 112'. In one aspect, the assembly 100' can thus be characterized as including a linearly controlled pintle valve. The assembly 100' further includes a biasing spring acting on the shaft assembly 112a', with the plate 112b' adapted to be held in a closed or seated position to block fuel flow through the passage 108f when the actuator 112' is not actuated. The disclosed configuration thus provides a safety function by blocking fuel flow in the event of loss of control power. In an actuated state, the actuator 112' functions to pull or lift the shaft axially away from the valve seat, allowing fuel to flow to the venturi assembly 110'. The actuator 112' can be adjusted to allow the position of the plate 112'b to be precisely controlled by the controller 500. Although this embodiment does not show a throttle assembly for controlling the flow of the air-fuel mixture, the structure associated with the previous embodiment can be provided in combination with the structure shown in Figures 25 to 27. Additionally, the sensors and wire harnesses of the previous embodiment can also be incorporated into the embodiment shown in Figures 25 and 27. It is further noted that the relevant portions of the throttle valve assembly 112, venturi assembly 110, and / or body 108 associated with the assembly 100 of the previous embodiment can be replaced by the portions of the throttle valve assembly 112', venturi assembly 110', and body 108' shown in Figures 25 to 27. The throttle-mixing assembly 100' can be controlled by the electronic controller 500 described above.

[0050] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, from the above description, those skilled in the art can readily ascertain the essential features of the disclosure, and can make various changes and modifications to adapt it to various applications and features without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 102 Throttle-mixing assembly 112 Throttle valve assembly 112b Throttle plate 114b Throttle plate 116 Sensor assembly 118 Sensor Assembly 120 Wire Harness

Claims

1. 1. A fuel supply system for a generator, comprising: a) a throttle-mixing assembly, i) a mixer body defining a main port extending between an air inlet end and a mixed air-fuel outlet end and defining a fuel inlet port extending into said main port; ii) a venturi structure located within the main port and configured to mix fuel received from the fuel inlet port with air received from the air inlet end and deliver an air-fuel mixture to the mixed air-fuel outlet end; a throttle-mixing assembly comprising: b) a fuel control valve assembly mounted to the mixer body and including a first valve and a first actuator positioned to control the flow of fuel through the fuel inlet port; c) a throttle control valve assembly mounted to the mixer body and including a second valve and a second actuator positioned to control flow of the air-fuel mixture through the main port; and A fuel supply device comprising:

2. 2. The fuel supply system of claim 1, wherein the first valve is a throttle plate disposed within the fuel inlet port.

3. 2. The fuel delivery system of claim 1, wherein the second valve is a throttle plate disposed within the main port downstream of the venturi structure.

4. The fuel supply system according to claim 1 , wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are electric actuators.

5. 3. The fuel delivery system of claim 2, further comprising an electrical wiring harness attached to the mixer body, the electrical wiring harness being electrically connected to the first actuator and the second actuator.

6. a) a first pressure sensor for sensing fuel pressure adjacent the fuel inlet port; b) a second pressure sensor for sensing air-fuel mixture pressure; and c) a temperature sensor proximate to the air-fuel outlet port; and d) a first position sensor for sensing a position of the first valve; e) a second position sensor for sensing a position of the second valve; and The fuel supply system of claim 1 , further comprising one or more of:

7. 7. The fuel supply system of claim 6, further comprising an electrical wiring harness attached to the mixer body, the electrical wiring harness being electrically connected to the first actuator and the second actuator, and further being electrically connected to one or more of the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, the temperature sensor, the first position sensor, and the second position sensor.

8. 7. The fuel supply system of claim 6, wherein the second pressure sensor, the temperature sensor, and the second position sensor are mounted in a common housing.

9. 7. The fuel supply system of claim 6, wherein the temperature sensor includes a probe extending into the main port.

10. 2. The fuel supply system of claim 1, further comprising one or both of a first position sensor and a second position sensor, the first position sensor for sensing a position of the first valve, the first position sensor being mounted on the mixer body opposite the first actuator, and the second position sensor for sensing a position of the second valve, the second position sensor being mounted on the mixer body opposite the second actuator.

11. 11. The fuel supply system of claim 10, wherein the first valve includes a first valve member and a first shaft, the first actuator is coupled to a first end of the first shaft, the first position sensor is coupled to a second end of the first shaft, the second valve includes a second valve member and a second shaft, the second actuator is coupled to a first end of the second shaft, and the second position sensor is coupled to a second end of the second shaft.

12. 1. A generator assembly comprising: a) an internal combustion engine; b) an electric generator coupled to and driven by the internal combustion engine; c) a fuel supply system for supplying an air-fuel mixture to the internal combustion engine; The fuel supply device includes: i) a throttle-mixing assembly, comprising: 1) a mixer body defining a main port extending between an air inlet end and a mixed air-fuel outlet end and defining a fuel inlet port extending into said main port; 2) a venturi structure disposed within the main port and configured to mix fuel received from the fuel inlet port with air received from the air inlet end and deliver an air-fuel mixture to the mixed air-fuel outlet end; and a throttle-mixing assembly including: ii) a fuel control valve assembly attached to the mixer body and including a first valve and a first actuator positioned to control the flow of fuel through the fuel inlet port; and iii) a throttle control valve assembly attached to the mixer body and including a second valve and a second actuator positioned to control flow of the air-fuel mixture through the main port; and A generator assembly comprising:

13. 13. The generator assembly of claim 12, wherein said first valve is a throttle plate disposed within said fuel inlet port.

14. The generator assembly of claim 12 , wherein the second valve is a throttle plate disposed in the main port downstream of the venturi structure.

15. The generator assembly of claim 12 , wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are electric actuators.

16. The generator assembly of claim 13 further comprising an electrical wiring harness attached to said mixer body, said electrical wiring harness being in electrical communication with said first actuator and said second actuator.

17. a) a first pressure sensor for sensing fuel pressure adjacent the fuel inlet port; b) a second pressure sensor for sensing air-fuel mixture pressure; and c) a temperature sensor proximate to the air-fuel outlet port; and d) a first position sensor for sensing a position of the first valve; e) a second position sensor for sensing a position of the second valve; and The generator assembly of claim 12 further comprising one or more of:

18. 20. The generator assembly of claim 17, further comprising an electrical wire harness attached to the mixer body, the electrical wire harness being electrically connected to the first actuator and the second actuator, and further being electrically connected to one or more of the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, the temperature sensor, the first position sensor, and the second position sensor.

19. The generator assembly of claim 17 , wherein the second pressure sensor, the temperature sensor, and the second position sensor are mounted in a common housing.

20. The generator assembly of claim 17 , wherein the temperature sensor includes a probe extending into the main port.

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