In August 2026, the state of Wisconsin proudly recognized a groundbreaking advancement in outdoor power equipment by awarding its Patent of the Month to Briggs & Stratton, LLC for their invention of “Hybrid power supplies” (Patent US12672608). This celebrated patent introduces an extraordinary approach that seamlessly bridges the gap between traditional combustion engines and modern electrical systems. By innovatively combining an engine, a generator, and a battery pack that connect directly to a direct current power bus, this system offers unparalleled flexibility and efficiency for heavy duty outdoor equipment and vehicles.

This invention is highly innovative because it eliminates the typical limitations found in purely gas powered or purely battery powered machinery. The hybrid power supply allows an engine to generate alternating current, which a built-in generator controller then converts to direct current to simultaneously power equipment and recharge an integrated battery pack. It won the Wisconsin state patent of the month for the month of August 2026 because it represents a monumental leap in sustainable, high performance engineering, perfectly aligning with the state’s growing initiatives to support advanced manufacturing while maintaining the robust power required for commercial applications.

Companies seeking to integrate or further develop the practical applications of this hybrid technology may be eligible for significant Research and Development (R&D) tax credits in the USA. To qualify for the R&D tax credit, a business must invest in the experimental development of new products or processes that rely on hard sciences, such as engineering or electrical design, to eliminate technical uncertainty. For instance, if a manufacturer dedicates resources to prototyping new zero turn mowers or utility vehicles that utilize this specific hybrid power architecture, the expenses related to engineering, testing, and refining the electrical bus connections and battery management systems could qualify. This makes the adoption of such patented technology not only a strategic engineering choice but also a financially advantageous move for forward thinking companies.