Patent ID: 8159078

Claim:
A portable generator system comprising: a generator for generating an electrical output signal; an internal combustion engine for driving the generator; a starter for starting the internal combustion engine; an alternator for generating an AC signal for powering a charger assembly; a battery pack; a charger system including: a charger assembly adapted to receive the AC signal and to generate a DC charging signal for recharging the battery pack, the charger assembly including: a first user controllable switch for applying an output of the battery to the energize the starter; and a second user controllable switch coupling the alternator and the charger assembly that, when in a Start position, enables current from the battery pack to be used to energize the starter while inhibiting the supply of the AC signal to the charger assembly, and when in a Charge position inhibits the battery pack output from being used to energize the starter while enabling the AC to be applied to the charger assembly.