Ignition-controlled mechanism for blocking automotive fuel line

Claim 2

An ignition-controlled device for selectively and positively blocking the fuel line of an automotive engine of the type having a chamber in which a vacuum is created when the engine is started, comprising an ignition lock having a key-operated memBer movable between engine stopping and starting positions, respectively, a pair of valve housings, a first valve mounted in a first valve chamber in one of said housings, and operatively connected to said key-operated member for movement between open and closed positions upon movement of said member between its stopping and starting positions, respectively, said first valve chamber being connected to atmosphere, a second, pressure-operated valve mounted in a second valve chamber in the other of said housings, and operatively connected in the fuel line of said engine for movement between closed and open positions to block and unblock, respectively, said fuel line, means normally holding said second valve in its closed position, when said key-operated member is in its engine stopping position, and means for interconnecting said first valve chamber, said second valve chamber, and said engine chamber whereby said second valve is actuated to its open position by said vacuum.

Claim 3

An ignition-controlled device as defined in claim 1, wherein said first valve includes means normally holding it closed, when said member is in its starting position, and means is interposed between said member and said first valve to open said first valve, when said member is moved to its engine stopping position.

Claim 4

An ignition-controlled device as defined in claim 1, wherein said one valve housing is connected to said ignition lock with one end of said first valve chamber open to atmosphere and with the other end thereof connected to said second valve chamber, and said first valve is mounted in said first valve chamber for movement by said key-operated member from a closed position in which it seals said first chamber, to an open position in which it vents both of said valve chambers to atmosphere, when said member is moved to its engine stopping position.

Claim 5

An ignition-controlled device as defined in claim 3, wherein said other valve housing has therein a first pair of ports for connecting one end of said second valve chamber to said engine and to said fuel line, respectively, and a third port for connecting the opposite end of said second valve chamber to said chamber in said engine, and said second valve is mounted in said second valve chamber normally to be urged by said resilient means to its closed position in which it blocks off said first pair of ports from each other, and to be moved to its open position by said pressure change to place said ports in communication, when said member is moved to its engine starting position.

Claim 6

An ignition-controlled device as defined in claim 3, wherein said key-operated member is cylindrical and is mounted in a bore in said lock for rotation in opposite directions between its stopping and starting position, and a movable detent is interposed between said member and said first valve to seat in a recess in the periphery of said member, when the latter is in its starting position, and movable by said member in a direction to open said first valve, when said member is rotated to its stopping position.

Claim 7

An ignition-controlled device as defined in claim 4, wherein said second valve is a piston-valve reciprocable between opposite ends of said second valve chamber, and operatively sealing off opposite ends of the last-named chamber from each other, said third port is adapted to be connected to the manifold of the engine thereby to create a vacuum at said opposite end of said second valve chamber when the engine is started, and said other valve housing has therein a fourth port open to atmosphere at its outer end, and opening at its inner end on said one end of said second valve chamber.

Claim 8

Mechanism for preventing the theft of an automotive vehicle which has a carburetor, an ignition system, and an engine whose operation is controlled by the ignition system, said mechanism comprising a valve block, a piston valve reciprocable in a chamber in said valve block, SAID valve block having a first port therein connected to a source of fuel supply for said engine and a second port connected to the carburetor, spring means in said block constantly urging said piston valve to its closed position against a valve seat in said block to shut off communication between said ports to block flow of the fuel supply to the carburetor, means connecting one end of said chamber to the engine so that vacuum created by operation of the engine will move said piston valve to its open position against the resistance of said spring means, a second valve operable when open to vent said one end of said chamber to atmosphere whereby, when said second valve is open, the vacuum created by operation of the engine is insufficient to move said piston valve to unblocking position, means for activating and deactivating the ignition system, and means operatively connected to the last-named means for opening said second valve when said ignition system is deactivated.

Claim 9

Mechanism for preventing the theft of an automotive vehicle which has a carburetor, an ignition system, and an engine whose operation is controlled by the ignition system, said mechanism comprising a valve block, a piston valve reciprocable in a chamber in said valve block, SAID valve block having a first port therein connected to a source of fuel supply for said engine and a second port connected to the carburetor, spring means in said block constantly urging said piston valve to its closed position against a valve seat in said block to shut off communication between said ports to block flow of the fuel supply to the carburetor, means connecting one end of said chamber to the engine so that vacuum created by operation of the engine will move said piston valve to its open position against the resistance of said spring means, a second valve operable when open to vent said one end of said chamber to atmosphere whereby, when said second valve is open, the vacuum created by operation of the engine is insufficient to move said piston valve to unblocking position, means for activating and deactivating the ignition system, and means operatively connected to the last-named means for opening said second valve when said ignition system is deactivated.

Claim 10

Mechanism as claimed in claim 7, wherein said block also has a further port therein for venting said chamber to atmosphere to permit air entrapped between said piston valve and its seat to escape, said further port being so located that it will be closed when said piston valve is in its closed position.

Claim 11

Mechanism as claimed in claim 7, wherein said means for activating and deactivating the ignition system comprises a key-operated rotary barrel, and said barrel has a peripheral cam surface operatively connected to said second valve to open said second valve when said barrel is rotated to ENGINE OFF position and to permit said second valve to close when said barrel is rotated to ENGINE ON position.