Fueling system starter interrupt for an alternate fuel vehicle
AssigneeBeacon Power Systems, Inc.
InventorsAlan F. Evans, Jr., Garth J. Schultz
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus is disclosed for interrupting operation of a starter of an alternatively-fueled motor vehicle. The apparatus comprises a fuel receptacle, a cover and a switch. The fuel receptacle has an electrically conductive, grounded fill opening. The cover mates with the fill opening of the fuel receptacle, and has a contact sensor which generates a ground signal indicative of contact between the cover and the fill opening. The switch communicates with the contact sensor and with the starter, and interrupts operation of the starter when no signal indicative of contact is received from the contact sensor.
Claims15
Apparatus for controlling start up of a motor vehicle, the apparatus comprising:
- a fuel receptacle having an opening;
- a cover having a contact sensor in selective contact with the opening, the contact sensor generating a ground signal indicative of such contact;
- and
- a switch in communication with the contact sensor, the switch inhibiting start up of the motor vehicle when the signal is not received.
Apparatus for interrupting operation of a starter of an alternatively-fueled motor vehicle, the apparatus comprising:
- a fuel receptacle having a fill opening;
- a cover having a contact sensor which generates a signal indicative of contact between the cover and the fill opening;
- and
- a switch in communication with the contact sensor and with the starter, the switch interrupting operation of the starter when no signal indicative of contact is received from the contact sensor.
Apparatus for interrupting operation of a starter of an alternatively-fueled motor vehicle, the apparatus comprising:
- a fuel receptacle having an electrically conductive, grounded fill opening;
- a cover adapted to mate with the fill opening of the fuel receptacle, the cover having a contact sensor which generates a ground signal indicative of contact between the cover and the fill opening;
- and
- a switch in electrical communication with the contact sensor and with the starter, the switch interrupting operation of the starter when no signal indicative of contact is received from the contact sensor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.