Vehicle fueling arrangement
US6990945B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 14, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jan 31, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 14, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02D41/021
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus are provided for limiting engine operation during fueling. The apparatus comprises, an engine control for enabling or disabling operation of the engine, one or more sensors for detecting whether (i) a cap is on the vehicle fuel fill-pipe, and (ii) a fueling nozzle is in the fuel fill-pipe, a processor coupled to the engine control and the one or more sensors receiving information therefrom and directing the engine control to enable or disable the vehicle engine depending upon the sensor outputs, thereby, disabling the engine when the cap is not on the fill-pipe and/or a fueling nozzle is in the fill-pipe, and enabling the engine when not true. In a further embodiment, a fuel level sensor coupled to the processor is used to detect whether a fuel level change rate R(t)≧Rc where Rc is a predetermined value, and if so, disabling the engine.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.